Devdutt Padikkal is at a pivotal juncture in his career as he gears up for the upcoming third Test match against England. Positioned as a crucial stepping stone for Padikkal, this match holds immense significance in his journey towards establishing himself in the challenging realm of Test cricket.
Devdutt Padikkal’s journey to the national team hasn’t been without a series of struggles and challenges. His pursuit of excellence and the dream of representing India in Test cricket got delayed by form and illness as an intestinal issue hampered his physical health and left his career at a crossroads. Despite the setbacks, Padikkal’s determination and hard work propelled him forward, and the turnaround in 2023 has been remarkable.
The turning point for Padikkal came with his selection to the Test team as a replacement for KL Rahul, who is recovering from a quad injury. This call-up, stating that it marks a dream come true for Padikkal after a tough few years.
The 23-year-old cricketer expressed his pride and gratitude, as he said “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. Can’t thank my family and well-wishers enough for sticking by me.”
Devdutt Padikkal reflects on his rough time, dealing with health issues and ultimately coming back stronger
Devdutt Padikkal reflects on his rough times as he dealt with the intestinal issue. He recalls, “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, not losing confidence was the key. At this stage of my career every match counts and here I was missing a lot of games. It was disturbing because there was a lot of competition. While it was challenging, I had to stay focused on doing well when I returned. I worked really hard. I began the season with the determination of winning as many matches as possible for Karnataka.”
Devdutt Padikkal’s mentality to adapt to the situations is a major boost for the Indian national team. “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 is a part of my learning process.” [H/T TOI]
The third Test against England is a crucial chapter in Padikkal’s career, where he has the chance to further solidify his place in the Indian Test squad and leave a lasting impact in the longer format of the game. Devdutt Padikkal’s positive attitude and adaptability can serve him well, especially considering the opportunities in the middle order within the current Indian team.
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