If I am scoring runs, I am sure I will play more games: Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal had a memorable outing in the Galle Test as he scored a sublime hundred (167) in the first innings and backed it up with a gritty 44 in the second innings. However, the Karnataka batter understands that his place in the playing XI isn't guaranteed. B Sai Sudharsan, who is India's designated No. 3, is currently nursing a right stress toe reaction. He is likely to retain the spot despite Padikkal's brilliance, and Padikkal is content with that.

"It's important that whenever you get that opportunity, you have to just take it - I don't really go looking for those conversations," Padikkal was quoted as saying by Cricinfo. "For me, it's important that whenever I get that chance, I perform.

"I don't really put too much emphasis on getting a run of games or things like that. In modern cricket, you cannot really expect those kinds of things. It's a highly result-driven business. Whenever you go out there, you are expected to perform. If you are not doing that, you are always on the line in terms of your job. If I am scoring runs, I am sure I will play more games."

Padikkal had his Karnataka teammate KL Rahul for company in the first innings of the Galle Test. The duo enjoyed a 162-run partnership and put India in the driver's seat.

"Batting with KL has always been enjoyable," Padikkal said. "I think I have played quite a few innings with him now, even with Karnataka as well. We have had some long partnerships, and I think we play well with each other.

"He understands the way I bat, the tempo in which I bat, and I do the same as well. When you have that kind of chemistry, I think it helps in stitching that partnership and really pushing the limits of how far we can go."