Team India star Devdutt Padikkal has named batting legend and former Team India head coach Rahul Dravid as a great support, adding that he has always been open to a conversation with him. However, Padikkal scored a crucial 44 in the second innings on Day 4 of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, August 18, following a stunning 167 in the first innings.

Speaking at the post-day press conference, Padikkal said (via Revsportz): “In terms of discussions with Rahul [Dravid] sir, he’s always been a great support. I made my debut under him, and he’s always been open to having a chat whenever I’ve needed to. Honestly, mindsets don’t change that much. I try to keep things as simple as possible, try not to really overthink it, and try not to make plans too much. At the end of the day, I have to go out there and react to what’s coming at me.”

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“I think I’ve always been aware that red-ball is my ultimate goal. I’ve always tried to model my game in such a way that I don’t go too far away from my basics. I don’t try to do things that are completely outside the framework of the red-ball game. That’s what helps me when I make that shift… I try to make sure that I’m in a place where I’m always really quick to switch to red-ball because that’s my first priority,” he said again.

Had Sai Sudharsan been fit for the Sri Lanka Tests, Devdutt Padikkal might have had to sit outside in Galle. However, with Sai being ruled out of the series due to a toe injury, Padikkal grabbed this opportunity with both hands as well.

“Cricket has its injuries and things like that happen. Sai has been doing well for us over the last few games, and he’s a very talented player as well. At the end of the day, whoever gets that opportunity, it’s important that we take that opportunity and try and help the team win.”