I commit to whatever I do 100% - Devdutt Padikkal on his blistering innings against Sri Lanka

Starboy Devdutt Padikkal illuminated Galle with another incredible knock of brilliance, smashing 167 in India’s first innings.

He formulated the backbone of the Indian innings as they concluded Day 2 at 460/9 after half of the day’s play was washed away.

Talking in an interview post the end of day’s play, Padikkal opened up on his ton while shedding light on his aggressive stance against spinners. He also elaborated on his confidence coming into this Test, highlighting how that played a pivotal role in him shaping up his innings.

Reflecting on his special innings, DDP said, “Yeah, definitely. I've dreamt of this moment. For the last two years, I've been working really hard to try and make sure that when I get that opportunity, I can do something special like this, and I'm really happy to do that.”

Explaining his footwork, Padikkal added, “Yeah, I think we have discussed that at length, especially when you're playing spin, it's important that you have certain plans in your head. You cannot go out there and expect to react all the time.”

He further stated, “It's important that we have a couple of shots in your head that you want to play as soon as you go out there, so that you can put some pressure on the bowler as well. So, I think over the last year or so, we have really worked on trying to find ways in our own strengths that you can really implement to make sure that you put pressure back.”

Elaborating on his confidence and how that lifted his innings, DDP added, “Yeah, definitely. I think when you have that clarity in terms of what you want to do, I think that brings that confidence in your footwork as well. I think I was just looking to make sure that I commit to whatever I do 100%. Even if it's a defensive shot, I want to make sure that I really commit to playing that, so that made my footwork much better.”