• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Devdutt Padikkal In Line For Debut In Ind Vs Eng Dharamsala Test

Devdutt Padikkal In Line For Debut In IND Vs ENG Dharamsala Test

Devdutt Padikkal to live Test dream in Dharamsala (X.com)Devdutt Padikkal to live Test dream in Dharamsala (X.com)

Against the backdrop of injuries and performance slumps, emerging talent Devdutt Padikkal is all set to debut in the whites during the upcoming series finale against England scheduled at the alluring hill town of Dharamsala.

India will lock horns with England for the final time in this ongoing five-game Test series in Dharamsala starting from the 7th of March. Currently, both sides are enjoying some time off and will assemble at the venue next week.

Having said that, the Indian selection committee remains in a fix ahead of the series finale Test. The squad lacks strength as injuries and player unavailability have left the board paralyzed.

In the latest setback, KL Rahul is likely to be ruled out of the Dharamsala Test in the aftermath of a quadriceps injury. The batter has been out of action since the Vizag Test. 

While he trained at NCA a couple of weeks ago, the batter is unlikely to recover in time for the final game. Hindustan Times reports that KL traveled to London for expert consultation and will miss the fifth Test.

Subsequently, emerging talent and Rahul’s Karnataka counterpart, Devdutt Padikkal, is likely to be handed his debut cap in Dharamsala. Hindustan Times reported that Rajat Patidar, who has been a big disappointment so far, will be replaced by Padikkal as the selection committee wants to test his caliber on the international stage.

“Padikkal will make his debut in Dharamshala. Rahul is unlikely to be available and the team management wants to have a look at Padikkal as it’s the last international fixture before the IPL,” a BCCI source told HT.

Devdutt Padikkal was called up as a backup for Rahul and is expected to make his debut in the fifth Test. The Karnataka prodigy is coming off a stellar domestic season. He has 2227 runs in 31 first-class matches, at an average of 44.54. Besides, Padikkal smoked four centuries against England Lions while representing India A.

Notably, India has already staked a claim on the series by winning the recently concluded Ranchi Test. The upcoming game is a dead rubber but is expected to churn out entertaining matchups.