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In a heartwarming moment during the fifth Test between India and England in Dharamsala, young batting sensation Devdutt Padikkal marked the beginning of his India Test career as the gifted cricketer received his maiden Test cap from the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin. Padikkal’s debut was met with huge joy, and social media platforms were flooded with heartwarming congratulatory messages from fans, teammates, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
A landmark occasion in Dharamsala
Despite the series already being sealed in favour of the home side, the Dharamsala Test became a memorable occasion for multiple reasons. Indian spin maestro Ashwin and English stalwart Jonny Bairstow donned whites for their nations for the 100th time, adding a touch of historical significance to the match. However, it was Padikkal’s long-awaited debut that stole the spotlight and captured the hearts of cricket enthusiasts.
Devdutt Padikkal’s patient wait
Padikkal’s journey to the Indian Test side was marked by consistent performances in domestic cricket and a noteworthy showing in the unofficial Tests against England Lions. While he had been part of the squad from the third Test onwards, the young cricketer had patiently awaited his opportunity to don the Test whites.
Smiles and cap: The young gun’s special debut moment
The moment finally arrived in Dharamsala when Padikkal got the nod to play, with Rajat Patidar sidelined due to a sore ankle. Adding an extra layer of emotion to the occasion, Padikkal received his maiden Test cap from none other than Ashwin, who was celebrating his 100th Test appearance. The joyous scene saw the young batter beaming with pride and excitement as he joined the elite club of Indian Test cricketers.
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Social media erupts with congratulatory messages
As the news of Padikkal’s debut spread like wildfire on social media, fans from all corners of the cricketing world poured in their congratulatory messages. The cricketing fraternity, including his current and former IPL franchises – Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore – joined in the celebration, expressing their pride and happiness for the talented cricketer.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Many Congratulations Devdutt Padikkal on his Test cap, proud moment for Karnataka state cricket association and to all his coaches who have contributed to his growth to reach top level.🙌🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/GdYYue9MIH
— Sunil Joshi | 🇮🇳 ಸುನಿಲ್ ಜೋಶಿ (@SunilJoshi_Spin) March 7, 2024
“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒚, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒕…” 🇮🇳
We’re proud, Dev! Go well! 🥹🫶
📸: BCCI#PlayBold #TeamIndia #INDvENG #DevduttPadikkal @devdpd07 pic.twitter.com/CnHqUjnCf1
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 7, 2024
You made it, DDP 🇮🇳💗 pic.twitter.com/aP0wlZX23O
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 7, 2024
I hope we get to see the best of Rajat Patidar at some point in the coming years. Too good a player to not make a comeback 👏
Thrilled to see Devdutt Padikkal get a nod in probably the format he is most comfortable. Five debutants, what a series of transition this has been ♥️
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 7, 2024
Finally, the day has come for Devdutt Padikkal. He is making his Test debut for India. 🇮🇳🧢✨
Many congratulations to Devdutt Padikkal, A moment to remember for him and his family. Go well boy. ❤️👏#DevduttPadikkal #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/c2nm790P5O
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) March 7, 2024
Yay! Another Karnataka cricketer Devdutt Padikkal makes his test debut for India. Go well, Dev. Make us proud 🙌 #INDvENG
— Ramachandra.M| ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ.ಎಮ್ (@nanuramu) March 7, 2024
Another debutant from India is making Test Debut,Devdutt Padikkal getting a Test Cap no 314 at Dharmshala.
Many Many Congratulations Padikkal. He has worked hard in domestic and got tons of runs and good to see he is getting rewarded. Go well boys and make India proud. pic.twitter.com/flLX7YxTzu
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) March 7, 2024
Devdutt Padikkal is making his test cricket debut. Go well boy. pic.twitter.com/qJ4pyc4woy
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) March 7, 2024
Devdutt Padikkal makes his test debut ✨
He becomes the 11th player to make a test debut for India since 2023 👀😯#INDvENG #INDvsENG #INDvsENGTest #WPL2024 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/F6MSgpeOwR
— TCTV Cricket (@tctv1offl) March 7, 2024
Devdutt Padikkal with his Test Cap for India.
– The future of Indian cricket. ⭐ pic.twitter.com/N9d9kMet83
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) March 7, 2024
👏🧢 Congratulations to Devdutt Padikkal on making his Test debut. Also, Jasprit Bumrah is back in the playing XI.
💙 #TeamIndia to 𝘽𝙊𝙒𝙇 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏.
📷 Getty • #DevduttPadikkal #INDvENG #INDvsENG #BharatArmy #COTI🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8rqglrSDhP
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) March 7, 2024
Finally his Test debut. #INDvsENG
Congrats & Go well, Devdutt Padikkal. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/d3x2aTxdjl
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) March 7, 2024
Well Deserved Debut for Devdutt Padikkal!!
Hope he stays here for long.
Deserved to play SA ODI series as well, much better player than Sudarshan 🙂 pic.twitter.com/M1KFRaom79— Back To Back Double Century 💯💯 (@bhhupendrajogi) March 7, 2024
We’re proud, Dev! Go well! 🥹🫶
📸: BCCI#PlayBold #TeamIndia #INDvENG #DevduttPadikkal @devdpd07 pic.twitter.com/4pByrTw5cA
— ᏒᎥтᴇsʜ ϻᴇᴇɴᴀ (@ritesh_x45) March 7, 2024
Devdutt Padikkal playing Dharmashala test. Another debut in this series.
Congratulations Dev pic.twitter.com/otQal7rB0h— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) March 7, 2024
Many congratulations to Devdutt Padikkal on making his Test debut….!!!#INDvsENGTest #INDvENG #DevduttPadikkalpic.twitter.com/NdztEOqZMS
— Ajmul Cap (@AjmulCap2) March 7, 2024