You want to represent your country – Devdutt Padikkal on returning to Tests

Devdutt Padikkal delivered an impeccable performance for India as the visitors bagged the two-match Test series by a 1-0 margin after the second Test in Colombo ended in a draw. Padikkal won the Player of the Series award after amassing 328 runs from three innings at an average of 109.33.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Padikkal opened up on his raw emotions while likening the conditions between Galle and Colombo. Padikkal also reflected on the honour of representing India while clarifying that he wants to take every chance that comes his way.

Shedding light on the series, Padikkal said, “Yeah, it feels great. Again, it would have been better if we got the win in this game as well. But at the end of the day, I'm happy that I could contribute.”

Highlighting the similarities between the Galle and Colombo surfaces, Padikkal added, “I think it was quite similar, to be honest. Not much change. It was pretty slow here as well. But I think at the end of the day, the batters got better at playing on such surfaces, and I think that showed in the last couple of days.”

Explaining his blueprint for taking on spin on the slow surfaces, Padikkal added, “Yeah, definitely. It takes a lot of clarity. I think you need to have clear plans when you go out there. I think there's been a lot of chat back in the dressing room as well as to how we want to play spin, how we want to tackle spin. I think everyone came with their own plans, and I think the way the batsmen applied themselves showed out there.”

He concluded by talking about returning to the Test side, stating, “Again, you always want to play. You want to represent your country. You have to keep working hard. That's the only thing that's in your control. The XI is not in your control. You have to keep trying to help your teammates out whenever you get that opportunity. You have to make sure that you're ready for it, and I'm happy that I was able to do that.”