In preparation for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Team India is closely monitoring the performances of emerging talents in the Duleep Trophy. One player who has captured attention with his recent stellar performances is Devdutt Padikkal. Despite being part of the Indian Test squad in the last series, Padikkal was not included in the current lineup. However, his remarkable display in the Duleep Trophy has solidified his reputation as one of the most promising batsmen in Indian cricket.
Devdutt Padikkal Shines Bright
The Duleep Trophy is currently featuring a match between India A and India D, where Devdutt Padikkal, representing India D, showcased his exceptional batting skills. In the first innings of the match, Padikkal scored an impressive 92 runs off 124 balls, hitting 15 boundaries in the process. This innings came at a crucial juncture for India D, who faced difficulties and were all out for just 183 runs, with nearly half of those runs credited to Padikkal. His earlier performance in the tournament also included a half-century, further highlighting his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
A Promising Start to His Career
Devdutt Padikkal embarked on his international career in 2021, earning his first call-up to the T20 team for the Sri Lanka tour. In this series, he made his debut by playing two matches but managed to score only 38 runs. Since that initial exposure, he has struggled to find a permanent spot in the T20 lineup. Earlier this year, he made his Test debut against England, where he scored a commendable 65 runs in his first innings. Unfortunately, he faced yet another setback as he was not included in the squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh.
Consistent Performance in Domestic Cricket
Despite the limited opportunities at the international level, Devdutt Padikkal has been a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket. Over his career, he has played 33 first-class matches, accumulating a remarkable 2,348 runs at an impressive average of 44.30. This tally includes 14 half-centuries and 6 centuries, showcasing his ability to convert starts into significant contributions. His performance in List A matches is equally extraordinary, with an average of 81.52 across 30 games, where he has scored 1,875 runs, including 11 half-centuries and 8 centuries. Moreover, Padikkal has stepped into the T20 arena, amassing 2,806 runs so far, further solidifying his status as a well-rounded batsman across formats.
As Team India looks ahead to future series, it is essential for players like Devdutt Padikkal to capitalize on their domestic success to secure a place in the national squad. His blazing bat in the Duleep Trophy is a testament to his talent and determination, and cricket enthusiasts will be eager to see how his performance unfolds in the coming matches.
