R Ashwin, who on Thursday became only the 14th Indian player to play 100 Test matches, gave a heartfelt speech while giving away the Test cap to debutant Devdutt Padikkal ahead of the days play at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala.
“Today is your day. Guard it, cherish it and express yourself,” Ashwin said, while handing over the cap to Devdutt Padikkal.
The veteran off-spinner also narrated the journey of Padikkal, who has gone through a lots of ups and down in his career.
“As a very young kid, who burst on the scene, captivated the imagination of a lot of people through T20 cricket. Came up through the ranks as star-studded boy from his State. He went through something that a youngster will always find it hard to go through. Physical trauma, literally was found hanging in the balance whether he would play cricket,” said Ashwin.
𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵!
Quite a setting! ⛰️
A special occasion to make your Test debut! 👌
From a landmark man to #TeamIndia's newest Test entrant! 👏 👏
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/jnMticF6fc #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @devdpd07 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/1ihKZ1a3jD
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024
“Life has been very kind, he has fought through it. Maybe that’s what makes you a kuch more harder individual and a harder cricketer to go through in life. Today he is standing aamidst us, going to make his debut in this wonderful setting along with my 100th Test,” he added.
Ashwin also reminded Padikkal about the rich legacy of Karnataka.
“But Dev, remember one thing Karnataka has produced a lot of wonderful international cricketers, the man standing right opposite to you but mind you that’s not your burden to carry,” he said.
Devdutt was the highest run-getter for Karnataka with 465 runs from five matches with two hundreds and three fifties. He averaged a mind-boggling 155 in that tournament and struck runs at 120.46. But he slipped into his real self in the Ranji Trophy. Devdutt could play only four matches, courtesy his national duties, but emerged as the leading run-scorer for the state with 556 runs. He averaged 92.66 and registered three hundreds, including a season-topping 193 against Punjab. But his 105 for India A against England Lions at Ahmedabad and 151 against Tamil Nadu at Chennai turned the tide for him, as the latter innings was seen in person by chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
WATCH 📽️
If #cricket stadiums had a beauty pageant, #Dharamsala would be the popular choice to get the Miss World crown. No wonder 5,000 English fans have travelled to the foothills of the Dhauladhar range for the 5th #INDvsENG Test. By Sandeep Dwivedihttps://t.co/zVCyW9rMzw pic.twitter.com/MQi3fcskdL
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) March 5, 2024
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The 23-year-old southpaw revealed how he only got to know about his debut in the morning.
“Yeah, feels incredible. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it a whole lot. Got the news this morning, so really excited for it and looking forward to the game,” said Devdutt Padikkal.
Padikkal replaced Rajat Patidar, who got hit on his left ankle during Team India’s practice session on Wednesday.
“He pulled up sore on the morning of the game and was not available for selection for the 5th Test,” BCCI said in a statement.
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