Dharamshala – In a historic moment at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, young batsman Devdutt Padikkal made waves by becoming the first Indian in 37 years to bat at the elusive number four spot on his Test debut. His impressive innings of 65 not only showcased his talent but also revived the memories of WV Raman’s similar feat in 1988.
Padikkal’s entry into the playing XI came as a replacement for Rajat Patidar, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Walking out to bat after a stellar 171-run partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the left-hander displayed maturity and flair, forming a crucial 97-run partnership with Sarfaraz Khan. Both Padikkal and Khan notched up half-centuries before falling victim to Shoaib Bashir.
The significance of Padikkal’s innings goes beyond just contributing to the ongoing India-England series; it marks a departure from the decades-long tradition of Indian cricket legends dominating the number four spot. Since Raman’s debut in 1988, only eight other Indian players had the honor of batting at this position on their Test debuts.
Vishwanath’s 137 against Australia in 1969 remains the highest score by an Indian debutant at number four, but Padikkal’s 65 stands as the second-highest, underlining the promising start to his Test career. This achievement adds a new chapter to the legacy of Indian batters at the prestigious spot, challenging the dominance of cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
As the ongoing series witnesses a carousel of batters at number four, Padikkal’s innings serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of Indian cricket. With the likes of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and now Devdutt Padikkal, the competition for the coveted spot reflects the depth and diversity of India’s cricketing talent.
In a post-match interview, Padikkal expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and highlighted the honor of following in the footsteps of legendary cricketers who previously occupied the number four position. As he continues his journey in the Indian Test team, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more stellar performances from the young left-hander.
