Padikkal and Rana Join India's Test Squad for Australia Series

Padikkal and Rana Join India’s Test Squad for Australia Series

India’s Test Squad Bolstered with Padikkal and Rana for Australia Series

With captain Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill unavailable for the first Test against Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has called up Devdutt Padikkal as a batting backup. Padikkal, who was touring with the India A squad, will join the 18-member Test squad for the match at the Opus Stadium in Perth.

Padikkal, a left-handed batsman, is expected to fill the No. 3 spot in the batting order. He has experience playing in Australian conditions, having made his Test debut against England at Dharamsala earlier this year.

In addition to Padikkal, Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Harshit Rana is also likely to make his Test debut in Perth. Rana impressed in the match simulation at Perth, particularly with his bouncers. He has taken 43 wickets in 10 first-class matches and was called up as a net bowler during India’s home Test series against New Zealand.

Jasprit Bumrah will captain India in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Bumrah previously captained India in the rescheduled 2022 Test against England at Edgbaston, which India lost by 7 wickets.

The Indian team is currently in Perth preparing for the first Test, which begins on December 17. The series is crucial for both teams, as it will determine who will qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Mayank Agarwal to Lead Karnataka in Ranji Trophy Opener

Mayank Agarwal to Lead Karnataka in Ranji Trophy Opener

Mayank Agarwal, the out-of-favor India opener, has been appointed as Karnataka’s captain for their first two Ranji Trophy matches against Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. The 28-year-old will be eager to impress the selectors with some big runs after a lukewarm Duleep Trophy.

Agarwal’s deputy will be pacer Prasidh Krishna, who is also making a comeback to top-flight cricket after a long injury layoff. Krishna, who has a BCCI pace bowlers’ contract, will be looking to improve his wicket tally after taking just four wickets in two matches for India A in the Duleep Trophy.

Other key players in the Karnataka squad include Devdutt Padikkal, who will be hoping to continue his good form from the Duleep Trophy, and pacer Vysakh Vijayakumar, who will be eager to make his presence felt after a successful season with Kerala last year.

However, pacer Vidwath Kaverappa, who is nursing an injury, did not find a place in the 16-member squad.

Karnataka will face MP at Indore from October 11, while the former champions will take on Kerala at Bengaluru from October 18.

India D Dominate India B with Half-Centuries from Samson, Padikkal, Bharat, and Bhui

India D Dominate India B with Half-Centuries from Samson, Padikkal, Bharat, and Bhui

India D asserted their dominance against India B in the Duleep Trophy match in Anantapur, thanks to a collective batting effort led by Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 89.

After India B opted to field, Devdutt Padikkal and KS Bharat laid a solid foundation with a 105-run opening partnership. Padikkal notched up his third consecutive half-century, while Bharat contributed a steady 52.

However, India B’s bowlers managed to break the partnership, with Navdeep Saini dismissing Padikkal and Mukesh Kumar removing Bharat. Nishant Sindhu and Ricky Bhui then combined for a 53-run stand, but Rahul Chahar’s quick double-strike put India D in a spot of bother.

Chahar dismissed Sindhu and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession, leaving India D at 175 for 4. Bhui, who had scored a century in the previous match, continued his good form with a 56-run knock.

Samson, however, proved to be the anchor for India D. He played an aggressive innings, hitting ten fours and three sixes in his 83-ball knock. He shared an unbroken 90-run partnership with Saransh Jain, who remained unbeaten on 26 at stumps.

For India B, Chahar was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 60 in 13 overs. Mukesh and Saini also picked up a wicket each.

India D vs India A: Shreyas Iyer's Team Opts to Bowl First in Crucial Encounter

India D vs India A: Shreyas Iyer’s Team Opts to Bowl First in Crucial Encounter

India D vs India A: Shreyas Iyer’s Team Opts to Bowl First

In a crucial encounter between India D and India A, India D captain Shreyas Iyer made the decision to bowl first after winning the toss. The match serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the national Test squad.

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been included in the India A team, has a lot to prove in this match. His performance in red-ball cricket will be closely scrutinized as he aims to enhance his credentials. Similarly, Devdutt Padikkal and Sanju Samson, who were notably absent from India D’s playing eleven against India C, will be eager to make an impact.

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of India D, is another player who has been sidelined from the Test squad. A strong performance in this match could potentially bring him back into contention for national selection.

Mayank Agarwal, who last played a Test match in March 2022, is captaining the India A unit. He will be looking to score a significant number of runs to regain his place in the national team. The emergence of Shubman Gill has led to Agarwal being overlooked for the Test squad, but a dominant performance in this match could change that.

The match between India D and India A is a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their talent and stake their claim for a spot in the national Test squad. The performances of Arshdeep Singh, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, and Mayank Agarwal will be closely monitored as they aim to impress the selectors.

Padikkal's Debut Fifty Inspires India in Dharamshala Test

Padikkal’s Debut Fifty Inspires India in Dharamshala Test

Devdutt Padikkal, the elegant southpaw, made a memorable debut in the ongoing fifth Test against England at Dharamshala. After receiving his India cap from veteran Ravi Ashwin, Padikkal revealed the invaluable advice he received from head coach Rahul Dravid.

Dravid’s words of encouragement, “In the first 10-15 minutes you will have nerves, but go out and enjoy it,” helped Padikkal overcome his initial jitters and construct a composed debut fifty. The Karnataka batter stroked a fine 65 off 103 deliveries, showcasing his lazy elegance and impressive technique.

Padikkal’s partnership with Sarfaraz Khan (97 runs) steadied the Indian innings after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill. Despite some lucky edges, Padikkal displayed a calm demeanor and grew in confidence with each boundary he scored.

Reflecting on his debut experience, Padikkal admitted to feeling nervous initially but emphasized the importance of using that energy positively. He praised the support of familiar faces in the dressing room and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India.

However, England fought back in the final session, with Somerset off-spinner Shoaib Bashir claiming four wickets. Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah steadied the ship for India, ensuring the hosts ended the day on 428/8.

Padikkal’s debut performance has earned him widespread praise, with pundits and fans alike impressed by his composure and skill. The 21-year-old has shown that he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian Test team for years to come.

Devdutt Padikkal's Resilience Earns Him India Test Debut

Devdutt Padikkal’s Resilience Earns Him India Test Debut

Devdutt Padikkal’s journey to the Indian Test team has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a promising start to his international career in 2021, Padikkal faced setbacks due to COVID-19 and a stomach-related illness.

During this challenging period, Padikkal’s weight dropped, and he struggled to stay fit and healthy. However, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of his dream. He consulted with doctors and worked tirelessly on his fitness and diet.

Padikkal’s hard work paid off in the 2023-24 season. He excelled for Karnataka across formats, scoring heavily in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Ranji Trophy. His performances, particularly his 151 against Tamil Nadu, caught the attention of chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

With KL Rahul ruled out of the third Test against England due to a fitness issue, Padikkal emerged as a replacement. His selection was a testament to his impressive form and the belief of the selectors in his abilities.

Padikkal’s journey to the Test team is a story of perseverance and unwavering determination. He has overcome adversity and proven that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.

Devdutt Padikkal Makes Test Debut as India Announces Changes for Dharamsala Test

Devdutt Padikkal Makes Test Debut as India Announces Changes for Dharamsala Test

Devdutt Padikkal Makes Test Debut as India Announces Changes for Dharamsala Test

The Indian cricket team has made two changes to its squad for the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala, with Devdutt Padikkal becoming the 314th player to represent India in the longest format of the game. Padikkal replaces Rajat Patidar, who sustained an injury in a training session on the eve of the match.

Patidar’s performance in the series had been underwhelming, but captain Rohit Sharma had expressed confidence in the batter at a press conference on Wednesday. However, Rohit revealed at the toss that Padikkal would be replacing Patidar in the playing XI.

“We would have batted first as well. We have done really well so far in this series and an opportunity to finish on a high. There should be good bounce on this pitch than the games before in this series. Good pitch to bat on and I don’t think it will deteriorate that much. Ash has been a real stalwart of Indian cricket. Such a proud moment for him, his nation and the family. We will be rooting for him to do the magic,” Rohit said on Thursday morning.

The Patidar-Padikkal swap was not the only change in the team, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the side in place of Akash Deep.

“Bumrah is back, Akash Deep misses out. Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut as Patidar got injured last evening,” Rohit concluded.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided an update on Patidar’s status, stating that he “got hit on his left ankle during Team India’s practice session on 6th March, 2024. He pulled up sore on the morning of the game and was not available for selection for the 5th Test.”

Padikkal, a left-handed opening batter, has been in impressive form for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has scored over 1,000 runs in the last two seasons, including a century in the 2023 edition.

Bumrah, on the other hand, is a key member of India’s bowling attack. He has been rested for the first four Tests of the series but is expected to play a crucial role in the final match.

India will be looking to seal a 4-0 series victory in Dharamsala, while England will be aiming to salvage some pride after losing the first four Tests.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart