'He has got a lot of skill, a lot of flair' - Mayank Agarwal backs Karnataka teammate Devdutt Padikkal ahead of Perth Test

Devdutt Padikkal has joined the Indian camp in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Padikkal was part of the India A squad that toured Down Under for two, four-day matches against Australia A. As the team returned home, the Karnataka batter was asked to stay put in Australia as star India batter Shubman Gill injured his thumb during match simulation ahead of first Test in Perth. 

With Gill likely to be rested for the first Test scheduled to commence from November 22, chances of Padikkal gracing the number three spot are high. With the southpaw about to face his toughest challenge, his Karnataka team-mate and India batter, Mayank Agarwal has lauded the youngster's mindset and showed faith in him to get into the fight against Aussies.

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“They (Indian players) have had time to prepare. The good thing was (that) a lot of the guys went and played India A games. They have had at least three weeks to prepare themselves for the conditions. But it then now boils down to the mindset — are you willing to get into the fight? Or are you willing to embrace that fight? If he (Padikkal) can get into that mindset — which he has; he has got a lot of skill, a lot of flair (and he) works hard on his game,” said Agarwal as quoted by NDTV Sports.

It feels really surreal to be honest: Padikkal

Padikkal scored a resilient 88-run knock in the first unofficial Test at Mackay. He joined the Indian team at the WACA Stadium in Perth for the practice sessions. Shedding light on the preparations ahead of the inaugural Test, he termed them as intense while admitting it was a surreal feeling.

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“It feels really surreal to be honest. The intensity of the practice sessions were quite high. You feel that challenge; you will feel that everyone is ready, raring to go for the big series ahead. So, it is always pleasure to have training sessions with the Indian team because it feels as big as the match. Hopefully, it will translate to the game as well." "I am glad that I am getting this opportunity, and hopefully I can make it count,” Padikkal added.