Talented Team India batter Devdutt Padikkal stated that being out of cricket due to injury for an extended period made him realize how much he loved the game. He also added that he has made a conscious effort to enjoy the game a lot more since his comeback as well. With Rajat Patidar being ruled out of the fifth Test against England due to an ankle injury, Padikkal got the chance to make his Test debut. He made a significant impact in his maiden Test innings, scoring a quick fifty.
However, he was struggling with an acute intestinal issue in 2022, which also affected his batting form. But, having overcome the
tough times, the youngster made a big impression for Karnataka in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, which saw him getting the Test
cap.
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Speaking at the end of the second day’s play in Dharamsala, he was quoted as saying by PTI, “Technically I made a couple of small changes but mentally yes, I made the changes. I wanted to ensure that I enjoy the game a lot more because the last couple of years I couldn’t play that often and missing on games made me realize how much I missed the sport.”
Devdutt Padikkal who contributed 65 off 103 in India’s first innings, a knock featuring 10 fours and a six, also opined on the importance of discipline to achieve success as well.
“I have always believed that discipline is key to success in anything that you do. Whether your practice or day-to-day habits or food. I have tried to be disciplined and that was my main goal,” Devdutt Padikkal said. “During sickness, I couldn’t do much but I still wanted to make sure I am not lagging behind in other areas and I continued to work on myself whether mentally or any other small thing,” he went on to add.
He was also asked which of his 10 fours was his favourite, to which he came up with an interesting reply.
“Every boundary is enjoyable but the first boundary, off the edge, was most enjoyable because those were my first runs in Test cricket (laughs). We haven’t discussed and aren’t looking so far ahead. We still have two wickets in hand, there is a good partnership going on. So hopefully we can continue to bat and keep getting those runs and lead bigger,” Devdutt Padikkal concluded.
