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Youngster Devdutt Padikkal made his Test debut for India on Thursday in the Dharamshala match against England. The southpaw received his Test cap from Ravichandran Ashwin, who made 100th appearance in the format. Heaping praises on Padikkal, Ashwin advised the young batter to guard and cherish the moment and express himself on the ground. It is worth noting that left-handed batter Padikkal was included in India’s playing XI as Rajat Patidar missed the final Test match against England due to injury.

“As a very young kid who came on, burst onto the scene, captivated the imagination of a lot of people through T20 cricket, came up through the ranks as the star-studded boy from his state. He went through something that a youngster will also always find hard to go to,” said Ashwin praising Padikkal.

The youngster had to go through a lot due to a COVID-19 infection and a stomach-related health complication. From 2021 to early 2023, he kept struggling to stay fit.

“Physical trauma literally was found hanging in balance whether he would play cricket. Life has been very kind, he has fought through it. Maybe that’s what makes you a much more harder individual and a harder cricketer to go through life,” said Ashwin.

Quite a setting!

A special occasion to make your Test debut!

From a landmark man to #TeamIndia‘s newest Test entrant!

Follow the match #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @devdpd07 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/1ihKZ1a3jD

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024

“Today, he is standing amongst us, going to make his debut in this wonderful setting along with my 100th Test. But Dev, remember one thing, Karnataka has produced a lot of wonderful international cricketers, the man is standing opposite to you, but mind you, that’s not your burden to carry. Today is your day. Guard it, cherish it, and express yourself,” he added.