Devdutt Padikkal makes his Test statement in Sri Lanka, reveals what he wanted to ‘prove’: ‘I’m really happy…’

Devdutt Padikkal believes he has finally been able to translate years of strong first-class cricket performances onto the Test stage, after producing a remarkable batting display during India’s 1-0 series victory over Sri Lanka.

The left-handed batter grabbed his opportunity at No. 3 with both hands, finishing the two-match series with 328 runs at an average of 109.33, including two centuries.

Padikkal was brought into the role in place of the injured B Sai Sudharsan, and the 26-year-old said he entered the series determined to show that he was capable of scoring big runs at the highest level.

Speaking in a video shared on the BCCI’s social media accounts on Friday, Padikkal said the performance had given him immense satisfaction.

‘This was my chance to prove something’

For Padikkal, the Sri Lanka series was about more than simply making the most of another opportunity in the Indian Test side.

Once he knew he was likely to play, the batter said he viewed the series as a chance to demonstrate that his record in domestic cricket could be replicated internationally.

“I felt that this is my chance to really prove something,” Padikkal said, explaining that he wanted to show everyone he was capable of making big scores.

He pointed to the runs he has accumulated throughout his first-class career and said he was delighted to finally see the same consistency reflected in the Test arena.

“I’m really happy that it showed in the Test arena as well,” he added.

The batter now hopes to carry the confidence gained from the Sri Lanka tour into the next phase of his international career.

Padikkal’s preparation against spin pays off

Playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka inevitably brings a major challenge for visiting batters — negotiating spin in conditions that often favour the home side’s slow bowlers.

Padikkal knew exactly what awaited him.

He revealed that facing Sri Lankan spinners had been a major focus of his preparation before the series, and his numbers suggest the work paid off handsomely.

“When you come to Sri Lanka, you always expect that challenge of playing spin,” Padikkal said.

The Indian batter added that he had prepared extensively before the series to ensure he was ready for that examination.

Rather than viewing the challenge with caution, Padikkal said it was something he was actually looking forward to.

After two Tests and two centuries, he left the series pleased with the way he handled spin but acknowledged that there remains room to improve.

‘It took a lot out of the team’

Runs were not the only challenge for India during the tour.

Padikkal highlighted the hot and humid conditions in Sri Lanka, saying they placed considerable physical demands on the players throughout the series.

He praised the entire Indian squad for continuing to push despite the exhausting conditions.

“It was hot, and it took a lot out of the team,” he said.

Padikkal felt every member of the squad gave maximum effort and highlighted the collective determination within the group to work towards the same objective.

For the batter, that commitment was one of the most encouraging aspects of India’s series performance.

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Sri Lanka deny India victory in final Test

India ultimately had to settle for a draw in the final Test after Sri Lanka produced a determined rearguard effort on Day 5.

Rather than focusing on the missed opportunity, Padikkal was generous in his assessment of the opposition.

He singled out Sonal and Keshara for praise, describing their batting effort as “pretty unbelievable”.

Padikkal also defended India’s bowlers, saying they had given everything and tried different approaches in an attempt to break the resistance.

“We gave it our best, but I think at the end of the day, they played some good cricket and they deserve to get that draw,” he said.

Has Padikkal strengthened his Test case?

Despite India being denied victory in the final match, the series could prove particularly significant for Padikkal’s Test career.

Opportunities in India’s batting order are fiercely contested, and Padikkal initially received his chance because of an injury to Sai Sudharsan.

What he did with that opportunity, however, is difficult to overlook.

Scoring 328 runs, averaging 109.33 and registering two hundreds in a two-match away series has given the selectors another compelling option for the top order.

For Padikkal, the immediate objective was simple — prove that the big scores he has produced for years in domestic cricket could also come while wearing the India Test jersey.

In Sri Lanka, he did exactly that.