Nick Knight was thrilled to see Devdutt Padikkal impress on his Test debut and claimed that the India batter has one of the best cover drives he has seen in recent times.
Padikkal came in at a time when India had lost both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in quick succession and found it a bit tough in the early moments. However, the debutant started to find the timing well and scored his maiden Test fifty on Friday, March 8.
Padikkal got to his fifty with a six and Knight was thoroughly impressed. Speaking to JioCinema, the former opener admitted he was a bit worried at the start for Padikkal but as soon as he got settled, the footwork was far better.
“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.
So really good signs. And let’s face it, you’re on Test match debut. Your footwork’s not be as crisp. I think there was a little bit of that in it, perhaps a little bit here rather than being there.”
“But I thought it was a really impressive debut so far,” said Knight.
How good is that for India? Knight impressed by debutants
India has handed debuts to Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Akash Deep and Dhruv Jurel and most of them have made impressive starts to their international careers. Knight feels that the big picture is looking good for India, with most the debutants doing well first in the India A side against the England Lions.