Devdutt Padikkal got his first cap from Ravi Ashwin before the India and England fifth game in Dharamshala on Thursday. Ravi Ashwin was playing his 100th Test. Devdutt Padikkal came into India’s team instead of Rajat Patidar, who hurt his ankle. Rajat Patidar could not play because of an injury to his ankle. Devdutt Padikkal took Rajat Patidar’s place on the team.
Devdutt Padikkal won his first cap after outstanding performances in domestic cricket. During the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, the left-handed hitter scored 556 runs in six innings at an average of 92.66, including three hundreds. The southpaw also scored 105 against the England Lions earlier this year.
Devdutt Padikkal has scored 2227 runs in 31 first-class games, averaging 44.54, with six tons and 12 half-centuries.
In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Ashwin is seen making a speech and awarding Padikkal his first hat in a huddle. Watch the video below.
“Today is your day” – Ravichandran Ashwin gives a heartwarming speech for Devdutt Padikkal
Ravichandran Ashwin praised Devdutt Padikkal for climbing through the ranks and making his Test debut for India. The ace spinner encouraged the kid to express himself in his debut.
Ashwin informed the BCCI:
“As a very young kid who came on, burst onto the scene, captivated the imagination of a lot of people through T20 cricket, came up through the ranks as the star-studded boy from his state. He went through something that a youngster will also always find hard to go to.
Ravichandran Ashwin
He continued:
“Physical trauma literally was found hanging in balance whether he would play cricket. Life has been very kind, he has fought through it. Maybe that’s what makes you a much more harder individual and a harder cricketer to go through life.
Ravichandran Ashwin
The off-spinner added:
“Today, he is standing amongst us, going to make his debut in this wonderful setting along with my 100th Test. But Dev, remember one thing, Karnataka has produced a lot of wonderful international cricketers, the man is standing opposite to you, but mind you, that’s not your burden to carry. Today is your day. Guard it, cherish it, and express yourself.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Devdutt Padikkal, meanwhile, acknowledged his excitement at making his Test debut. He said:
“Feels incredible. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it a whole lot. Got the news this morning, so really excited for [about] it and looking forward to the game.”
Devdutt Padikkal