3 reasons why Devdutt Padikkal is still not fit for Test cricket

In this article, we will discuss the 3 reasons why Devdutt Padikkal is still not fit for Test cricket. Among a handful of youngsters who have made their debut in the ongoing Test series between India and England, another youngster has been given a debut in Test cricket, and this time it is a young left-hander from Karnataka, Devdutt Padikkal. However, this decision might be dicey so let us take a look at 3 reasons why Padikkal is still not fit for Test cricket. 

#1. Not a big sample size

Devdutt Padikkal has played 31 first-class matches so far and it certainly seems that the youngster should have been given a bit more time to explore himself in domestic cricket. There are players like Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar who played a lot more matches before they were handed their debut. Well, some might argue that there is no perfect time to give a youngster a chance and he can be given an opportunity when he is ready for the stage. But it looks like he needs a bit more time in the Ranji Trophy to prepare himself for this level. 

#2. Stats are not astronomical

We have seen in recent times that players like Sarfaraz have waited for a long time to make their Test debut even when they were making runs consistently. Sarfaraz had an average of around 70 before he made his Test debut. Padikkal has made 2227 runs at an average of 44.54 in first-class cricket. These stats are good but not elite and to play for the Indian Test team the statistics must be in that elite category. 

#3. Just started to settle in

Devdutt Padikkal has looked impressive in this Ranji Trophy season but interestingly it was the first season where he was dishing out consistent performances. The last few seasons have been decent or underwhelming for him. But just when he got to stamp his authority in first-class cricket, he was called up for the Indian team which might be a premature decision.