Revealed: Here's Why Devdutt Padikkal Wasn't Considered For England Tests

With opener Prithvi Shaw and middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav set to join the Test squad in England as replacements, there has been a bit of murmur around Devdutt Padikkal too. While Prithvi Shaw is an attacking opener, there are still questions about his ability against the moving ball. But there was a reason why Devdutt Padikkal did not get the nod.

The three injured players from the contingent are Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Washington Sundar. Washington Sundar, like Avesh Khan, sustained a finger injury while playing for the County Select XI against India in the practice game in Durham. Both of them played for the County Select XI as ECB requested reinforcements. Off-spinner Jayant Yadav was slated to join the squad as well; however, the case is different now.

Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal has fared exceptionally well in white-ball cricket, both in IPL and the domestic circuit. The southpaw won the emerging player of the tournament in IPL 2020 in the UAE and scored his maiden IPL hundred in the first half of the competition this year. However, Padikkal averages only 34.88 in 15 first-class fixtures, with ten fifties. As per Times of India, BCCI feels he needs to become more experienced to gain a spot in the Test squad.

Devdutt Padikkal likely to play one of the remaining two T20Is in Sri Lanka:

Nevertheless, Devdutt Padikkal’s international debut could occur in one of the two remaining T20Is in Sri Lanka. The stylish southpaw has travelled with the squad; however, has not yet played a game. But if coach Rahul Dravid’s words of every player will get an opportunity are to go by, the 22-year old should feature in the line-up in any of the next two matches. After winning the ODI series 2-1, India gained a 0-1 lead in the three-match T20I rubber on Sunday.

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