If young players embrace first-class cricket, it certainly will benefit Team India in Tests. The performances of top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar in India’s 165-run victory in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka proved it.
For the problems India had been having in the game’s longest version, batting was their bigger concern as they struggled to chase down even modest totals in Tests in recent times. The No. 3 slot in India’s batting order had been a major problem
going into the Galle Test, but Padikkal’s 167 in the first innings and a steady 44 in the second have had a soothing effect so far.
The way Padikkal has been batting, India can trust him to continue with the good work in the second and final Test as well, which begins on Sunday at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
The left-hander’s preparation before the Galle Test included an unbeaten 142 against SLC XI in a warm-up game and two 50-plus scores (67 and 94) prior to that during the ‘A’ tour to Sri Lanka in June and July.
Padikkal’s actual preparation, however, had been done during the last Ranji Trophy when he aggregated 543 runs for runners-up Karnataka, averaging 60.33, after being named captain midway during the competition.
Under former Karnataka coach Yere Goud, who has trained him since his U-16 days, Padikkal worked on his technique and effected some changes in his batting that helped him get the big scores in the red-ball format as well.
“Devdutt has been adjusting well to the low bounce of the wicket, something that was seen in Galle as well. He’s reaching out to the ball, and there’s marked improvement in his footwork as well,” a Karnataka State Cricket Association official said.
The sense of responsibility also has a role in bringing the best out of the 26-year-old, emphasised former India quick R. Vinay Kumar, who was recently named Karnataka’s head coach. “As soon as he got the added responsibility of being the (Karnataka) captain midway during last Ranji, Devdutt’s game changed.
“In our final league-stage game versus Punjab, we had to get 250 in just 30 overs or so to qualify for the knockout stage. He got a quick hundred (120 not out off 85 balls) and took us through. Devdutt has always been a hardworking kid, but at present, he’s playing with much more responsibility and has gained in maturity as well.
“Since he has started taking responsibility, he’s enjoying the small moments, and that is helping him gain more in terms of confidence as well,” Vinay, who had handed Padikkal his Ranji cap when he made his first-class debut in November 2018, told The Telegraph on Thursday.
A change in mindset has also helped lift Padikkal’s performances, feels former Karnataka pacer Abhimanyu Mithun. “Of course, his preparation has been solid going into the Galle Test. But apart from that, what struck me was Devdutt’s body language,” Mithun, who played four seasons with Padikkal in the Karnataka side, pointed out.
“It was quite evident from last year with the way he batted across formats. His body language had a marked change, which boosted his mindset as well. Yes, he has been consistent, but his body language and the mindset change have stood out.
“He wants to be in that Indian team and prove that he belongs out there.”
Mithun added: “Even when he isn’t scoring many runs, he will just stay quiet and focus on getting his rhythm and tempo back instead of talking too much. He has never been a loudmouth either.”
The presence of senior Karnataka teammate KL Rahul in the Indian squad has allowed Padikkal to express himself better, both Vinay and Mithun acknowledged.