The time before a player makes his international debut is always tough. And if you are informed the previous night, it certainly takes your sleep away.
Something similar happened to Devdutt Padikkal too on Wednesday night as a phone call ‘stating he might be playing’ made his sleep go for a toss but the left-hander enjoyed the nervousness at the same time. On Thursday, Padikkal became the 314th player to represent India in Tests and a day after scored a maiden fifty on debut.
Padikkal came in for the fifth Test as a replacement for injured KL Rahul. But his place in the playing XI wasn’t assured until Rajat Patidar, who also made his debut in the ongoing series, got injured at the last moment. According to a BCCI update, Patidar got hit on his left ankle during India’s practice session on Wednesday, making way for Padikkal.
“Regardless of when you get to know, there is always going to be nervousness around. That was still there.
Coming in at the fall of Rohit Sharma, Padikkal looked in total ease as he used to be in domestic cricket while playing for Karnataka. He took his time, waited for the loose balls and most importantly was confident at the crease. During his 65-run knock which came off 103 balls, the southpaw hit 10 fours and a six. In fact, he brought up his fifty with a straight over boundary over the bowler’s head.
However, he was undone by a special Shoaib Bashir delivery. During his stay at the crease, Padikkal shared a crucial 97-run stand with Sarfaraz Khan, who also hit a fifty. Padikkal heaped high praise for Sarfaraz and called the Mumbaika a great character to have around.