Just a few hours before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), the BCCI has announced Team India’s newest addition. Devdutt Padikkal to join the first Test in Perth. He was in the squad of India A however, he stayed back to prepare for the main team in Perth. 

BCCI recently uploaded a video, which indicates that he might be a part of the playing XI. The batter hinted that he might walk out batting at number three on Friday. 

In the video uploaded by the BCCI, Padikkal stated, “I feel pretty surreal, to be honest. The intensity at the practice sessions has been pretty high. You feel that challenge, you feel that everybody is rearing for the series ahead. So, it has always been a pleasure to have a training session with the Indian team because it feels as big as the match. Hopefully, we can translate that into the game as well.” 

“Coming here for an ‘A’ tour, I was hoping that I could do it and then asked to stay back. I am glad that I am getting this opportunity, and I hope I can make it count.”

Devdutt Padikkal, who debuted this year and impressed with an 88 against Australia A, joins the squad with a strong first-class average of 58.57 to bolster the batting lineup. With Rohit Sharma unavailable and Shubman Gill doubtful for the Perth Test, Padikkal’s inclusion was expected.