Devdutt Padikkal Makes Test Debut for India in IND vs ENG 5th Test

The 5th and final Test match of the India vs England series, currently underway at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, witnessed the Test debut of Devdutt Padikkal. The young left-handed batsman received his Test cap from the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin, who himself is celebrating his 100th Test appearance in this historic match.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Reaches 100 Tests Milestone, A Look at His Phenomenal Career in Numbers

Padikkal’s inclusion in the playing eleven came as a last-minute change due to an unfortunate ankle injury sustained by Rajat Patidar during practice. This marked Padikkal’s entry as the fifth Indian debutant in the series, following Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep. England too fielded two debutants in this series – spinners Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir.

Test Cap number 3⃣1⃣4⃣

Congratulations to Devdutt Padikkal who is all set to make his Test Debut! 👏👏

Go well @devdpd07 🙌

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/OwZ4YNua1o#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/6XdcvaKl0s

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024

With his debut, Devdutt Padikkal became India’s 314th Test cricketer. The BCCI confirmed that Patidar’s injury, sustained on March 6th, rendered him unavailable for selection. Interestingly, Patidar, who was expected to be released from the squad if KL Rahul returned to fitness, seemed fit and participated in a lengthy batting session on the day before the match.

Devdutt Padikkal’s selection was a reward for his consistent performances in domestic cricket. In his 31 first-class matches, he has amassed over 2200 runs at an impressive average of 44.54, including six centuries and 12 half-centuries. This season has been particularly fruitful for him, with 556 runs scored at an exceptional average of 92.66 in just four matches. Notably, he has converted every fifty scored into a century this season, showcasing his ability to convert starts into big scores. His recent form includes a match-winning 151 in the drawn fifth-round fixture against Tamil Nadu and a highest score of 193 in the season opener against Punjab.

Devdutt Padikkal further impressed with his performance in the India A vs England Lions series in Ahmedabad, scoring 65, 21, and a crucial 105. His century in the second unofficial Test played a vital role in setting up a comprehensive victory for India A.

Another debutant from India is making Test Debut,Devdutt Padikkal getting a Test Cap no 314 at Dharmshala.

Many Many Congratulations Padikkal. He has worked hard in domestic and got tons of runs and good to see he is getting rewarded. Go well boys and make India proud. pic.twitter.com/flLX7YxTzu

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) March 7, 2024

While Padikkal will have to wait for his batting opportunity as England captain Ben Stokes elected to bat first, his selection reflects the team management’s faith in his talent and potential. This match also witnessed the return of India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, replacing Akash Deep, as the team aims to maintain their dominance and solidify their top position in the World Test Championship standings.

With two debutants on either side, the final Test promises to be an exciting spectacle, potentially filled with fresh energy and a hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage. Cricket fans will be eager to witness how Padikkal fares in his maiden Test appearance and whether he can continue his impressive form at the international level.