Started Dreaming Of Representing My Country As A 9-Year Old Boy: Devdutt Padikkal

Though the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Wednesday in Colombo did not go India’s way, it marked Devdutt Padikkal’s first appearance in international cricket along with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Devdutt Padikkal had been on the selectors’ radar for some time now due to his domestic cricket exploits and his chance came on Sunday due to the COVID-19 outbreak rocking the Indian camp. The stylish southpaw stated the feeling of playing for India is hard to put into words.

Also Read: Watch: Wanindu Hasaranga Celebrates Victory In The 2nd T20I Vs India By Throwing A Bottle

Devdutt Padikkal, who often opens the innings, batted at number three on Wednesday. The 22-year old played some attractive shots in the second T20I before leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga cleaned him up for a 23-ball 29, consisting of a four and six. Padikkal helped captain Shikhar Dhawan put on a decent 32-run partnership as well. But the tourists managed only 132 on a sticky pitch as Sri Lanka’s spinners squeezed them well in the middle overs.

Eventually, the home side also chased down the total, albeit with difficulty. India’s spin-bowling trio of Rahul Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy maintained the pressure by taking wickets regularly. But Dhananjaya de Silva kept the batting unit together and stitched a breezy 28-run stand with Wanindu Hasaranga. Chamika Karunaratne’s six in the second last over was arguably the turning point as it released the pressure.

De Silva finished with an unbeaten 40, eking out the eight runs required off the final over off debutant Chetan Sakariya. He also earned the man of the match for his 34-ball knock, hitting a four and a six. Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal took to his official Instagram handle, claiming he dreamed of representing his country as a nine-year-old. Even though the match did not go their way, the youngster hopes for India to bounce back in the decider.

Below is Devdutt Padikkal’s Instagram post:

“A feeling that is hard to put into words. Started dreaming of this moment as a 9 year old boy and here I am 12 years later fulfilling that ambitious childhood dream of representing my country. Not the result we wanted on the day, but we go again today,” the caption stated.

 

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