Arnold Compares Sutthar’s Calm to Rangana Herath, Sees Padikkal as India’s New Test Asset

During a live virtual event, ex‑Sri Lankan player Russell Arnold commended the way Devdutt Padikkal handled the middle order after being drafted at number three. Padikkal’s 167‑run marathon showed a blend of patience and aggression, exploiting the low‑pace conditions with precise timing and clever placement. Arnold believed the innings demonstrated the batsman’s readiness for top‑order responsibility across formats.

Arnold turned his attention to spin bowler Manish Sutthar, whose four‑wicket haul in the first innings and six wickets in the second mirrored the poise of Sri Lanka’s great Rangana Herath. He praised Sutthar’s straightforward, methodical approach, stating that simplicity combined with endurance often outperforms overt skill. Both players, Arnold asserted, have given India a valuable boost ahead of the upcoming season.