After years of struggle, Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal was overjoyed to be named to the Indian Test team for the third Test against England in Rajkot.
At age 23, Padikkal steps in for KL Rahul, still healing a quadriceps injury, on the Indian team. His arrival follows a standout 151-run inning in the recent nail-biting Ranji Trophy game for Karnataka against Tamil Nadu.
An excited Padikkal told TOI on the Indian Test call-up.
“The call-up is yet to sink in. The Test team is always a dream, and this has come after a tough few years. I feel very proud that all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off. Can’t thank my family and well-wishers enough for sticking by me.”
Devdutt Padikkal
Padikkal made his T20I debut for India against Sri Lanka in 2021, although he has since played only two games.
However, an intestinal problem in 2022 forced him to miss the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and he struggled in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy campaign.
“Returning from the illness was very tough. The biggest challenge was to get physically fit. I had lost 10 kilos and I had to eat right and concentrate on regaining muscle and strength. At this stage of my career every match counts and here I was missing a lot of games.”
“It was disturbing because there was a lot of competition. While it was challenging, I had to stay focused on doing well when I returned. I worked really hard. I began the season with the determination of winning as many matches as possible for Karnataka.”
Devdutt Padikkal
Prior to the Tamil Nadu match, Padikkal scored 105, 65, and 21 runs for India A in two red-ball games against the England Lions.
“While each batting position comes with its challenges” – Devdutt Padikkal
While Devdutt Padikkal is generally a top-order batsman who has established himself as Karnataka’s No. 3, he is willing to bat wherever for the national team.
The southpaw has been in phenomenal form this Ranji Trophy season, amassing 556 runs in four games at an average of 92.66, including three hundreds.
“I enjoy whatever opportunities I get. While each batting position comes with its challenges, I’m up for it because that’s going to help me grow as a cricketer. It’s part of my learning process.”
Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal is expected to bat in the middle order if he makes his Test debut for India, given Shubman Gill’s return to form with a century in the second Test against England.
It is also likely that the 23-year-old would sit on the benches in the Rajkot Test, but Padikkal’s selection to the Indian red-ball team is a positive step forward.