Padikkal Wins Player Of Series, But Says Colombo Draw Hurts

COLOMBO-India’s left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal expressed mixed emotions after being named Player of the Series in the 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka on August 27, saying that while the individual recognition was gratifying, a victory in the second Test at the SSC Ground would have made the achievement even more memorable.

Padikkal enjoyed a standout tour with the bat, amassing 328 runs in two Tests, including two centuries. In the absence of injured batter B Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal showed considerable maturity on slow, subcontinent surfaces.

However, Sri Lanka’s stubborn day-five rearguard, led by Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133, denied India a win in the second Test and allowed the hosts to salvage a draw.

“It’s great, but it would have been better if we got the win in this game. I think the two pitches were quite similar. It was pretty slow here, but at the end of the day the batters got better at playing on such surfaces and that showed over the last couple of days,” Padikkal said after collecting his Player of the Series award.

Elaborating on the tactical approach required to succeed on sluggish, turning tracks, Padikkal said, “It takes a lot of clarity. You need to have clear plans. Everyone came with their own plans, and the way the batsmen applied themselves showed out there.”

Reflecting on his return to the national Test setup after a period out of the side, Padikkal highlighted the mental toughness and persistence required to capitalize on opportunities at the highest level.

“You want to play for the country, so you keep working hard and try to help your teammates out and take your opportunities when you get them. It’s important that you forget that as fast as possible and move on to the next ball, and that’s what I tried to do.”

Asked about his preferred position in the batting order, the versatile top-order batter reiterated his team-first mindset, emphasizing that contributing to victory takes precedence over his personal batting position.

“Honestly, I’m just happy to score runs. It doesn’t matter what position. The team must win, and as long as I’m contributing to that, I am happy. We are a very young side. Important that we continue to learn. Everyone is really hungry and looking forward to doing that and getting better,” he concluded. (IANS)