New Delhi, Sept. 7 -- The no.3 position in the Indian playing XI comes with a huge history and legacy in the history of country's Test cricket. it carried a unique weight for nearly three decades, courtesy Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara who turned that batting position into an impenetrable fortress.

Following Pujara's last match for India in 2023, a number of players - Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul - were tried and tested in that no.3 slot but none of them could really leave a mark. Sai Sudharsan did try to cement his position at no.3, but a foot injury opened the doors for Padikkal's return to the longest format.

Making a comeback into the Indian Test XI after more than two years, the Karnataka batter grabbe...