The picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala serves as the backdrop to a special debut today! Devdutt Padikkal, one of our own, has earned his maiden Test cap for India in the fifth and final match of the ongoing series against England.

Padikkal became the 314th player to play red ball cricket for the Indian men’s cricket team and earned his spot on the back of a sensational showing in domestic cricket.

 

In 31 first-class matches, the 23-year-old southpaw has amassed 2227 runs at an average of 44.54. His haul includes six centuries and 12 fifties.

The southpaw, who suffered from persistent health issues in 2022 but came roaring back, has been in fantastic form for his state team Karnataka in the ongoing Ranji season, scoring 556 runs in six innings at an average of 92.66. He smashed his highest score of 193 in the season opener against Punjab.

Earlier, he had also impressed for India A against England Lions in Ahmedabad.

DDP earned his maiden Test call up before the Rajkot Test after replacing the injured KL Rahul. The young batter, however, had to wait for his cap and made the XI for the Dharamshala Test, replacing Rajat Patidar, who picked up an injury in the nets on the eve of the match.

India have already wrapped up the series and leads 3-1.

Padikkal, who has earlier played two T20Is, also boasts of a stellar record in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having scored 1521 runs in 57 matches playing for RCB and RR. The talented batter joined us last year and will be looking to up his game in the coming season.

Make sure you catch Devdutt and the Super Giants play LIVE in IPL 2024. Pre-register for your tickets NOW - http://bit.ly/49udY4J