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'Had Lost 10 Kilos...,' - Devdutt Padikkal Talks About His Journey After Call-Up For ENG Tests

image-lsk2whm3Devdutt Padikkal (X.com)

The young Karnataka batsman Devdutt Padikkal, has replaced India’s wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul, ahead of the third Test match of England’s tour of India. 

The 23-year-old has been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time after a recent knock of 151 in the recently held Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu. 

KL Rahul previously missed the second Test match against England due to a quadriceps injury and will continue to take a rest in the third game. Ahead of the upcoming Test, Padikkal expressed his gratitude for getting the opportunity to make his debut in red ball cricket.


Yet To Sink In - Padikkal

"The call-up is yet to sink in. The Test team is always a dream, and this has come after a tough few years. I feel very proud that all the hard work I've put in has paid off. I can't thank my family and well-wishers enough for sticking by me. I enjoy whatever opportunities I get. While each batting position comes with its challenges, I'm up for it because that's going to help me grow as a cricketer. It's part of my learning process," Padikkal said after getting the debut call-up.

He called it a ‘dream come true’ considering all his hard work will finally pay off. Devdutt also thanked his well-wishers and family for consistently supporting him.

"Returning from the illness was very tough. The biggest challenge was to get physically fit. I had lost 10 kilos and I had to eat right and concentrate on regaining muscle and strength. At this stage of my career every match counts and here I was missing a lot of games," he added. 

Padikkal missed a lot of cricket action due to an intestinal issue following the Vijay Hazare trophy and poor performance in the Ranji Trophy 2022–2023. Padikkal will join Sarfaraz Khan, who is also looking to make his Test debut for India in the third Test.