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The India National Cricket Team is on a tour of Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. During the first Test match, which started on Saturday, August 15, Team India batter Devdutt Padikkal scored a brilliant century and helped India to get a strong position from the very start of the game. After the end of Day 2’s play, he shared his feelings about scoring his maiden hundred.
The Men in Blue have a strong hold after the end of Day 2 as they are 460/9 with Kuldeep Yadav at the crease and probably will look to declare the innings before the start of Day 3. With rain following the match, this could be a tricky decision for the side, who have looked strong on both days of the game.
"I've dreamt of this moment"- Devdutt Padikkal after scoring maiden hundred
After the end of Day 2, Devdutt Padikkal shared his feelings on scoring the maiden hundred. He feels that it is a moment that he waited for a long time, as he made his debut for the side two years back but did not bat up the order and also did not get enough chances.
He also shared that he worked hard for the place and he is happy to get the opportunity to play and score runs for his country, and it is a special moment for him.
Devdutt Padikkal said (as quoted by Cricbuzz), “Yeah, definitely. I've dreamt of this moment. For the last two years, I've been working really hard to try and make sure that when I get that opportunity, I can do something special like this, and I'm really happy to do that.“
Devdutt Padikkal on playing aggressively
Further speaking on his aggressive style of play and footwork against spin, Devdutt Padikkal revealed that it was pre-planned. He also stated that it is about taking calculated risks and not just hitting every ball.
“(On his aggressive intent vs spin early on and decisive footwork) Yeah, I think we have discussed that at length, especially when you're playing spin, it's important that you have certain plans in your head. You cannot go out there and expect to react all the time.”
“It's important that we have a couple of shots in your head that you want to play as soon as you go out there, so that you can put some pressure on the bowler as well. So, I think over the last year or so, we have really worked on trying to find ways in our own strengths that you can really implement to make sure that you put pressure back.“
"It's just the hunger to score"- Devdutt Padikkal on scoring runs
Padikkal further stated that after scoring the 100, it is important to stay focused in the innings for the first few balls, as after he scored, he took some time, which made his job much easier, and he played an innings of 167 runs.
The Southpaw further added, “I think honestly, it's just the hunger to score more runs. I just enjoy batting out there, and the moment you get to 100, it's easy to relax and feel that relief.“
“But it's important that for me, the next 20-30 balls are the really important phase that I try and make sure that I'm completely focused, completely there. I think when I get past those first 10 balls after 100, I think it makes my job a whole lot easier.“
