IND vs ENG Tests | Rahul ruled out of Rajkot Test, Padikkal named as replacement

Devdutt Padikkal receives maiden Test call-up as KL Rahul is ruled out of India's third Test against England.

Devdutt Padikkal, the stylish left-handed bat, has received his maiden call-up after K.L. Rahul — his Karnataka senior — has been ruled out of India’s third Test versus England, to be played here from Thursday.

“Rahul has reached 90% of match fitness and is progressing well under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team,” Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, wrote in a statement.

“He will continue his recovery process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to be completely match-fit for the fourth and fifth Test.”

Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja — both of whom had missed the second Test after getting hurt during India’s loss in Hyderabad last month — had been named in the squad for the last three Tests pending fitness clearance.

While India’s squad that reassembled here on Sunday had its first training session at the stadium on Monday, Rahul is understood to have undergone a fitness test at the NCA. With the selectors and the team-management, in consultation with the BCCI medical team, deciding to not risk a player, the selection committee unanimously zeroed in on Padikkal being given a maiden Test call-up.

Interestingly, chief selector Ajit Agarkar witnessed Padikkal’s sensational 151 for Karnataka against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy’s high-profile southern derby over the last four days.

It is understood that Jadeja appeared to be fit during Monday’s net session which was played behind closed doors, with no mediaperson being allowed to watch the team train.