(Cricket news) India took a 255-run lead at close of play on Day 2 of the 5th Test against England in Dharamsala on Friday, with two wickets still intact. Captain Rohit Sharma (103) and Shubman Gill (110) scored centuries while Test debutant Devdutt Padikkal (65) and Sarfaraz Khan (56) returned with half-centuries, as the hosts reached 473/8 in 120 overs.
Padikkal spoke exclusively to JioCinema on ‘Match Centre Live’ post the day’s play. Excerpts:
On his debut: “I just wanted to be ready. I got a message the previous night that I might play this game, so I was prepared and ready when I came into the ground, said Padikkal. From there, I wanted to give it a good shot as these opportunities are rare to come by.”
On whether he was nervous going out to bat: “Yes, I was a bit nervous going in, and it’s normal for a debutant. But I wanted to use these nerves positively, use it as an energy to play my shots. Honestly, it was a bit challenging at the beginning and that’s when I put my head down and started to build that partnership with Sarfaraz and carry forward the momentum, quoted Padikkal.”
On the emotions he went through on getting the India cap: “It was a very special feeling. No matter what the circumstances, getting the debut cap is something you dream of as a kid and to be living it is something special, stated Padikkal.”
On his last few First-Class seasons: “The last couple of years were challenging, specifically with my health. It wasn’t very pleasant, sitting around and not playing cricket, something I have grown up doing. At the same time, a lot of youngsters are doing well and performing, so sitting at home and not doing anything wasn’t pleasing. But, when I got my health back, I made sure to put in the hard work, to focus on enjoying the game more than ever. Selection is not in our control, so it’s about enjoying the game.”
On coach Rahul Dravid’s presence in the dressing room: “It is always great to have familiar faces. Rahul Sir mentioned to me yesterday that I could be nervous in the first 15-20 minutes. He said just enjoy that and go on normally after that. I was a bit nervous and his words definitely helped me a lot.”
Zaheer Khan, JioCinema and Sports18 expert, spoke of Padikkal’s knock, saying: “He is someone who is very talented. Everyone knew at some stage he would be knocking on the door. He got the opportunity and he made use of that. To make 50+ on debut is a good foundation stone and is always special. You can see he is very determined. He has gone through challenges in the past seasons and it just makes you more appreciative. He is definitely someone for the future and we can keep a close eye on his career. It’s just about getting better from here.
Zaheer on Rohit Sharma’s century: “It was a high-class knock, no doubt about that. When you lose the toss and have that good a day with the ball, you want to consolidate. And Rohit, from the word go, was looking at his best. No hesitation, no second-guessing and it was a treat to watch. In a big series like this, you want someone like Rohit to be amidst the hundreds. The Rajkot one was under pressure and this one was to finish the series on a high, and it was a perfect time for him to lead from the front.”
