Devdutt Padikkal, whose cricket journey was temporarily hindered by health issues over the past two years, emerged stronger and more determined, culminating in his unexpected Test debut in Dharamsala. Having first donned the India jersey in a T20 against Sri Lanka in 2021, Padikkal's progress took an unexpected hit due to a COVID-19 infection followed by a stomach ailment, which temporarily slowed down his ascent in international cricket.
Despite these setbacks, Padikkal's unwavering dedication to his sport saw him amass a significant volume of runs in domestic competitions. His standout performance in the recent Ranji Trophy, where he emerged as Karnataka's top scorer with 556 runs, coupled with a century against the England Lions, paved the way for his inclusion in the Indian Test team.
On his debut, Padikkal showcased his batting finesse with a stylish 65, peppered with 10 fours and a six, displaying the characteristic elegance of left-handed batsmen.
"I have always believed that discipline is key to success in anything that you do. Whether your practice or day-to-day habits or food, I have tried to be disciplined and that was my main goal."
"During sickness, I couldn’t do much but I still wanted to make sure I am not lagging behind in other areas and I continued to work on myself whether mentally or any other small thing," Padikkal reflected on his health struggles
His return to full fitness reignited his passion for the game, prompting Padikkal to make minor technical adjustments to his game while focusing significantly on his mental approach, striving to relish every moment on the field.
An unforeseen injury to teammate Rajat Patidar just before the match provided Padikkal with the opportunity to make his Test debut, a moment he had been anxiously anticipating. Despite the inevitable nerves, he embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
"Regardless of when you get to know, there is always going to be nervousness around. That was still there. I got a message saying the previous night saying that I could be playing.
"I was nervous, it was a tough night’s sleep but it is something you also enjoy at the same time. You live for those days," said Padikkal.
Among his notable shots, Padikkal fondly remembered his first boundary in Test cricket, which came off an edge, highlighting the joy and relief of scoring his initial runs at this level.
Padikkal also enjoyed his partnership with Sarfaraz Khan, whose quick half-century added to the team's strong position. Their camaraderie at the crease, marked by light-hearted exchanges, helped both players remain at ease during their innings.
Despite India securing a substantial 255-run lead by the end of the second day, thanks to centuries from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Padikkal remained focused on the present, cautious not to speculate on the match's potential early conclusion.
Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan slam fifties in Dharamsala; India extend lead past 250
(With PTI inputs)