Is Shubman Gill's Misfortune Devdutt Padikkal's Opportunity? 24-Year-Old May Play in Perth!

There is an old saying that one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. That is just what might happen with Devdutt Padikkal on account of the injury to Shubman Gill. Gill is out of the Perth Test that begins on November 22. It is the first of five Tests India will play against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“He hurt his thumb while fielding in the slips. He was sent for scans, and it seems he's suffering from a hairline fracture. He will miss the first Test due to the injury but should return for the second,” a BCCI source told TOI.

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According to Sportstar, Padikkal is expected to be Gill’s replacement in Perth, The 24-year-old southpaw was already Down Under with the India A side and now he has been told to stay back and practice with the national team. So there is a chance, albeit a small one, that he may be in the playing eleven for the opening game.

Skipper Rohit Sharma too looks set to miss the Perth Test due to the birth of his son on November 22 and there is no clarity if he is joining the team soon. Jasprit Bumrah will lead in his absence.

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Coming back to Padikkal, the young man has played just one Test for India. That was against England towards the start of this year. In his only Test innings, Padikkal made an impressive 65. Should he get the chance in Perth, he knows a good show would go a long way in him being considered for future Test matches.

It could be make or break for him. A failure may dent his future chances of making it into the Test side. But the opportunity may have presented itself so Padikkal will be looking to make the best of it. Gill is expected to be back for the next game in Adelaide so all the more reason for Padikkal to cause a headache for selectors, if given the chance.