IND vs ENG 5th Test: Devdutt Padikkal Shines on Debut as India Takes Charge -

March 8, 2024

0 likes

IND vs ENG 5th Test: Devdutt Padikkal Shines on Debut as India Takes Charge

The Dharamsala Test between India and England is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. After bowling out England for a paltry 218, India piled on the runs on Day 2, reaching a commanding total of 473/8 by stumps. In the spotlight on this day was young Devdutt Padikkal, who marked his Test debut with a solid half-century.

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

Padikkal, a left-handed batsman known for his aggressive strokeplay, walked out to bat at a crucial juncture. India had lost their skipper Rohit Sharma (103) and the in-form Shubman Gill (110) in quick succession, with the score at 376. The onus was now on the middle order to build on the strong platform provided by the openers.

He's lifted his bat many times, but this one hits different 🥺🧿

Devdutt Padikkal, take a bow 👑 pic.twitter.com/dPGF8ikObn

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 8, 2024

The 23-year-old showed maturity beyond his years, curbing his natural instinct to go for big shots early on. He played with a watchful eye, carefully assessing the English bowlers and the pitch conditions. Padikkal patiently built partnerships with his fellow batsmen, stitching together a 37-run stand with Sarfaraz Khan (56) and a 27-run partnership with wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel (52).

While Padikkal wasn’t flamboyant, his knock was all about substance. He played shots all around the wicket, easily finding the gaps and punishing anything loose from the English bowling attack. He brought up his maiden Test fifty with a well-timed six, much to the delight of the home crowd. His knock of 65 runs came off 92 balls and included 10 fours and a six, showcasing his elegant strokeplay.

Karnataka has produced so many very good Crickter for India and Devdutt Padikkal is another one in making.

Getting a 50 on debut that also with six need some courage.Well played Paddikal.

He will be disappointed on missing a well deserved hundred.pic.twitter.com/dvd4L00hp2

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) March 8, 2024

Padikkal’s inning was crucial in helping India extend their lead and put themselves in a position of complete dominance. It allowed the lower-order batsmen, Ravindra Jadeja (15) and Kuldeep Yadav (27*), to play their shots freely and add valuable runs to the scoreboard.

Experts lauded Padikkal’s temperament on a big occasion. Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja commented, “Padikkal showed great composure for a debutant. He understood the situation and played accordingly. This knock will do wonders for his confidence.”

With two days left in the Test, India is in a strong position. They have a massive lead of 255 runs and still have two wickets remaining. Padikkal’s crucial contribution on his debut has given India a significant advantage, and the team will be hoping to convert this lead into a convincing victory.