India, Aug. 16 -- India have a No. 3 headache again, but not the kind they had heading into the series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday, or the one they have dealt with since Cheteshwar Pujara's departure.

This time, it is a problem created by success.

Fresh into the role and batting at No. 3 for only the third time in his Test career, Devdutt Padikkal produced a superb maiden international century, an unbeaten 131 that sparked a debate over where Sai Sudharsan fits when he returns from his injury layoff.

Sudharsan has been India's designated No. 3 and was expected to continue in the role on the Sri Lanka tour until a toe injury ruled him out. He sustained the injury during the India A series in Sri Lanka last month. While...