"Playing Test Cricket has always been my ultimate goal": Devdutt Padikkal on his test debut

New Delhi [India] April 9 (ANI): Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal expressed his profound joy and fulfillment in achieving his childhood dream of playing Test cricket.
Speaking on RCB Bold Diaries, he emphasized the special feeling of living out his daily aspirations and realizing his ultimate goal. Padikkal highlighted the significance of playing Test cricket, acknowledging it as a pinnacle of his cricketing journey.
"When you go to bed every night as a kid watching cricket, taking in Test Cricket and looking at it as something that you want to achieve, then to wake up one day and know that you are doing what you dreamt of every single day going to bed, that's something that is so special to have, right? Playing Test Cricket has always been my ultimate goal, and to be able to do that the past year was something incredibly special." Devdutt Padikkal said as per RCB Bold Diaries.
Devdutt Padikkal made his test debut against England in the 5th Test at Dharamsala in 2024. Batting at number 4, he scored 65 runs in his debut innings. He didn't get a chance to bat again in that match, as India won the match by an innings and 64 runs.
He also described the overwhelming emotions he felt receiving his Test cap, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He remembered the entire day leading up to the moment, emphasising its profound impact. His tears of joy represented the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, making the moment truly special and unforgettable.
" Remember every single thing about the previous night, what happened on the day, and that moment of receiving that cap is something that I ddon'tthink I will ever feel again--because that is such a special moment. It happens once in your life. I went back to my room on the day of the game, where I got my cap and cried for the rest of the evening. It wasn't out of sadness--it was about that fulfilment that you feel of all your dreams coming true. So, it was really good,""he added.
Padikkal has played only two test matches so far in his career and has made 90 runs in three innings with one fifty. He has also played two T20 internationals in which he has made 38 runs with a best of 29. An elegant left-hand top-order batter, Karnataka's Devdutt Padikkal was picked up at the auction ahead of IPL 2020 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Padikkal racked up 473 runs in his first IPL season and won the award for best emerging player. He followed that up with another 400-plus IPL season for RCB, scoring a century in the tournament as well - 101* in 52 balls against Rajasthan Royals.
RCB, however, released Padikkal after that, and RR bought him at the auction prior to IPL 2022. However, playing in the middle order as opposed to his preferred opening role, he could not replicate his success from previous years, scoring 376 runs from 17 innings.
He had another lean season with RR in 2023, scoring 261 runs from 11 innings, and was traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of IPL 2024. In the 2025 mega-auction, Padikkal was bought back by RCB for his base price of Rs 2 crore. (ANI)