The Indian cricket team displayed remarkable resilience to bounce back from an initial loss in Hyderabad to secure impressive victories in Vizag and Rajkot against England.
The recent win in Rajkot, by a staggering margin of 434 runs, marked India's largest Test victory in terms of runs and was the second-largest defeat for England in their Test history.
However, as the team gears up for the third Test in Ranchi, they face a selection conundrum. Key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested after shouldering a significant workload in the first three Tests, where he bowled 80.5 overs and took 17 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.64. Additionally, there are considerations for reshuffling the middle order, potentially paving the way for Devdutt Padikkal to make his Test debut.
Padikkal, the young Karnataka batsman, received his maiden Test call-up ahead of the crucial third match against England, but Rajat Patidar continued to hold his place in the team in the absence of several middle-order batsmen like KL Rahul & Virat Kohli.
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While Padikkal gained recognition through his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has also established himself as a force to reckon with in red-ball cricket. With an impressive record in first-class cricket, including 2227 runs in 31 matches at an average of 44.54, including six centuries and 12 half-centuries, Padikkal's selection underscores his prowess and potential in the longer format of the game.
This season, Padikkal has been in stellar form, amassing 556 runs at an average of 92.66 in four matches, including three centuries. His consistency and ability to convert starts into substantial scores were evident in Karnataka's recent fixture against Tamil Nadu, where he scored 151 and 36 and was awarded the player of the match.
Padikkal's performance for India A against England Lions further showcased his talent, with notable scores of 65, 21, and 105. His century in the second unofficial Test played a crucial role in India A's dominant first-innings batting display, setting up an innings victory.
Having trained with the senior Test team in South Africa as part of the India A squad, Padikkal brings both skill and experience to the table. While primarily an opener, he has seamlessly transitioned into a middle-order role for Karnataka.
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With the absence of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul from the middle order, and Virat Kohli's unavailability for selection, Padikkal's inclusion presents a promising opportunity for the young batsman to make his mark on the international stage and bolster India's batting lineup in the upcoming Test.
Moreover, with Patidar struggling to make an impact with just 46 runs in two Tests, the team management faces additional challenges in finding the right balance and cohesion in the batting order, which might pave the way for Paddikal to make his Test debut.