“You want time to prepare mentally” – Devdutt Padikkal reveals he got to know about his debut on night before the 5th Test.

Left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal marked his Test debut for India in the ongoing match against England in Dharamsala. However, Padikkal’s debut was not without its uncertainties. He revealed receiving a message from the team management indicating a possibility of featuring in the Dharamsala Test.

The 23-year-old admitted to feeling nervous until matchday, unsure whether his debut would materialize. Reflecting on the lead-up to his debut in an interview with Sports18 after Day 2’s play, Padikkal shared his apprehensions.

Padikkal said “I wouldn’t say it is great because you want time to prepare mentally, to be honest, uh, not being sure that if you are playing or not playing, it’s a bit of a dilemma, but at the same time, it’s a special feeling. I got the message the previous night saying that there was a possibility I could be playing this game.”

Nevertheless, he also described the moment of receiving his India cap and how his nerves subsided thereafter. Padikkal stepped in for Rajat Patidar, who, as per the BCCI, sustained a left ankle injury during a practice session and was consequently unavailable for selection.