Devdutt Padikkal’s inclusion in India’s playing XI for the Perth Test was a last-minute decision following Shubman Gill’s thumb injury during practice. Despite showcasing promising performances earlier this year, including a 65-run knock on debut against England, the 24-year-old Karnataka batter couldn’t capitalize on this golden opportunity.
Padikkal, who entered the crease after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal for a duck, struggled to find his rhythm against a formidable Australian bowling attack. Facing 23 balls without scoring, he eventually edged a Josh Hazlewood delivery to Alex Carey, making his innings the fourth-longest duck at No.3 in Test history.
India’s Top Order Stumbles
India’s batting line-up faced a rocky start in the Perth Test, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood dismantling the top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal was sent back after eight deliveries, and Padikkal followed suit without adding to the scoreboard.
KL Rahul, stepping in for Rohit Sharma, attempted to stabilize the innings but received little support from the other end. The early dismissals of Padikkal and Jaiswal left India struggling to build a strong foundation, raising questions about the team’s ability to handle pressure in challenging overseas conditions.
A Record Unwanted
Padikkal’s 23-ball duck places him among a peculiar group of batters who faced the most balls for no runs at No.3. He now stands fourth on this list, behind Azhar Ali (32 balls), Boeta Dippenaar (27 balls), and Sanjay Manjrekar (25 balls). Among Indian batters in the top seven positions, his duck ranks as the fourth-longest, with Suresh Raina and Rishabh Pant jointly holding the record at 29 balls. This performance, while an unfortunate personal setback, highlights the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with representing India on the international stage.
India’s management will now need to weigh their options carefully as they move forward in the series. Padikkal, a promising talent, will look to bounce back and prove his mettle in the coming opportunities.
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