India’s playing 11 for the 1st Test match against Australia looks quite a mystery given Shubman Gill’s thumb injury. Devdutt Padikkal has been added to India’s squad as earlier he was a part of India ‘A’ squad for tour matches. Devdutt Padikkal scored 151 runs in 4 innings and was calm & composed in his approach which might have made the management to include him in the squad.
There are chances that Nitish Kumar Reddy, the all-rounder might debut in Optus Stadium, Perth on 22nd November. Fast bowling coach Morne Morkel was quite impressed with the way Nitish bowled in nets and could prove to be a surprise package for the mighty Aussies.
I am glad that I am getting this opportunity- Devdutt Padikkal
An announcement video was uploaded by BCCI on their social media account & Devdutt Padikkal stated that he couldn’t believe that he was in the Indian squad. Devdutt Padikkal pointed out that the intensity of the practice sessions is high.
“Feels pretty surreal to be very honest. The intensity of the practice sessions is really high. You feel that challenge, you feel that everyone is ready and raring to go for a big series ahead. Always been a pleasure to have training sessions with the Indian side and it feels as big as a match. Hopefully, we can translate it into the game as well,” said Devdutt Padikkal.
“Coming here for the A tour, I, somewhere at the back of my head, was hoping that I do well enough to get the opportunity to stay back. I am glad that I’m getting this opportunity and hopefully, I make it count,” he added.
India’s batting conundrum
Devdutt Padikkal had smashed 65 runs on debut against England but the conditions in Australia would be very much testing. The glimpse of the Perth surface indicates that it would swing massively as it’s no less than a green surface. In that case, India is missing Cheteshwar Pujara who knows how to stay at the wicket & grind the bowlers.
The onus will be on Virat Kohli to form crucial partnerships with the other batters in the absence of Rohit Sharma (*not playing 1st Test match due to personal reasons). There’s a tussle between Sarfaraz Khan & Dhruv Jurel for the middle-order spot and this is their first Test tour of Australia which won’t be that easy to get magnificent runs on board.
Also Read: IND vs ENG : Aakash Chopra Praises A Sensational 65 On Debut By Devdutt Padikkal