Watch: Devdutt Padikkal brings up maiden Test half-century with an elegant six on Day 2 of Dharamsala Test
Published - 08 Mar 2024, 04:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:28 AM
Young Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal made the most of his opportunity while representing the national team for the first time in red-ball cricket. Devdutt Padikkal reached his maiden half-century during the final Test of the five-match series against England.
Devdutt Padikkal received his maiden call-up to the Test team ahead of the third match in the ongoing series. The left-handed batter replaced the injured KL Rahul in the squad for the last three games. He warmed the bench for the third and fourth Tests in the series.
However, the Karnataka-born cricketer got a chance to represent the Indian team in the fifth Test as Rajat Patidar was unavailable due to injury. He was included in the playing XI at the No. 4 position. He took a brilliant catch at the boundary during England’s first innings.
Watch – Devdutt Padikkal Brings Up Maiden Half-century In Style
Padikkal showcased his calm demeanor throughout his stay at the crease. The 23-year-old entered in the second over after the lunch break. He began with a boundary off the fourth delivery he faced, marking his first runs in the longer format for the national team.
Devdutt Padikkal reached his maiden Test half-century with a spectacular six off Shoaib Bashir in the final session on the second day. The left-handed batter elegantly lofted the floaty full delivery over long-on, marking a memorable moment in his debut Test match.
🎥 That Maiden Test Fifty Moment! 🙌
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— BCCI (@BCCI) March 8, 2024
However, Padikkal failed to convert his start into a century in India’s first innings as he was outfoxed by the off-spinner Shoaib Bashir on the first ball of the 93rd over. Bashir managed to beat Padikkal’s defense, resulting in the ball hitting the top of the off stump.
Padikkal had to depart to the pavilion after scoring 65 runs with the help of 10 boundaries and a six. At the time of writing, India lost the sixth wicket for 427 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel was dismissed after scoring 15 runs off 24 balls in Bashir’s bowling.
Devdutt Padikkal Is Standing Amongst Us – Ravichandran Ashwin
Before presenting debut cap to Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Ashwin encouraged the young batter to treasure the moment and express himself on the field.
“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. Physical trauma literally was found hanging in balance whether he would play cricket,” Ashwin said.
“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. Today, he is standing amongst us, going to make his debut in this wonderful setting along with my 100th Test. Today is your day. Guard it, cherish it, and express yourself,” he added.
