KL Rahul on Devdutt Padikkal: Star batsman Devdutt Padikkal batted brilliantly and scored a century in the first innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Batting at number three in the Galle Test, Padikkal played a superb innings of 167 runs off 230 balls, including 15 fours and a six. This was not only his first Test century, but also his first international career.

Thanks to this explosive innings by the 26-year-old Padikkal, India posted a strong total of 462 runs in the first innings. Following this impressive performance, Test vice-captain KL Rahul praised Padikkal. Rahul stated that he has seen Padikkal’s progress since his Under-19 days and that he has struggled a lot. He will continue to play big innings for India.

‘He’s been waiting for his chance for the past few years’

The BCCI shared a video on its social media account on Monday (August 16) in which KL Rahul heaped praise on Devdutt Padikkal. Rahul said, “Padikkal and I are from the same state. I’ve seen him grow since his Under-19 days. He’s scored a lot of runs for Karnataka and earned his place in Team India. For the past few years, he’s been waiting for his chance and quietly working hard in the nets. He’s tried to improve certain aspects of his batting.”

He further said, “Over the past few years when he has been with the team, we have talked a lot about what needs to be improved. We have also discussed what could happen in Sri Lanka or what to expect in the upcoming Test matches.”

Padikkal made his international debut in 2024

Devdutt Padikkal made his international debut in March 2024, playing his first Test against England. He then played his second Test against Australia in November 2024. However, he remained out of Team India’s playing XI for a long time. Padikkal capitalized on his opportunity in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka, impressing everyone with his maiden international century.

Rahul said, “Padikkal is one of those players who has been to Sri Lanka before. He has also scored runs for India A. He is just adjusting to the conditions. He also scored a century in the warm-up game. He is a player who likes to bat and score big. I am very happy that he scored his first century.”

‘Devdutt Padikkal will play big innings for India’

Rahul said, “It’s important to achieve such a feat early in your career. It helps players start enjoying their cricket and batting and pushes them to the next level. I think Padikkal is currently in a phase where he understands his batting well and is scoring runs consistently.”

He further said, “I hope Padikkal will play big innings for India in the times to come and maintain consistency in his performance.”