Devdutt Padikkal, who replaced Rajat Patidar in the 5th Test, made a notable impression during his Test debut in the ongoing final Test between India and England in Dharamshala.
Padikkal secured his spot in the team through an impressive display with India A and stepped in for KL Rahul following his injury. Given Rajat Patidar’s absence in the final Test, Padikkal grabbed the chance to make his Test debut for India, taking 83 balls to reach his fifty in the match.
Teaming up with Sarfaraz Khan, the pair stabilized India’s innings after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, establishing a strong foundation for the team.
Despite centuries from Shubman Gill and Rohit, along with Sarfaraz’s fifty, Padikkal emerged as the standout performer. He maintained a consistent scoring rate, exploiting loose deliveries to achieve his maiden Test fifty. Padikkal’s approach was low-risk, concentrating on ground shots and registering eight boundaries. Nevertheless, he reached his fifty with flair, striking an impressive six.
In his 65-run innings, the 23-year-old showcased confidence, hitting 10 fours and a six to reach his maiden Test fifty. Shoaib Bashir brought an end to Padikkal’s 103-ball stay with a delivery that beautifully deceived him, hitting the wickets.
Coming in to bat at number four after skipper Rohit Sharma’s departure, Padikkal formed a crucial 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Sarfaraz Khan, effectively rebuilding the Indian innings after losing centurions Rohit and Shubman Gill in quick succession.
Nick Knight, the former England cricketer, was full of admiration for India’s newcomer, Devdutt Padikkal, as he marveled at the elegance of Padikkal’s off-drives during his debut at Dharamsala.
“Devdutt Padikkal has one of the most glorious off-drives I have seen in recent times. I’ve got to admit to you, though, with the first five or 10-15 minutes, I was a bit concerned about the bodyweight being back and he hit one or two in the air through covers. Now I think, since he’s got in and his footwork’s become crisper, we’re back to what I thought I saw before he started this innings,” Knight said on Jio Cinema.
Fans have been buzzing on social media, sharing their reactions to Devdutt’s outstanding performance. Take a look at how DDP’s knock has left an impression on the fans:
