In Team India’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, young talents are making waves in the Duleep Trophy, and one name that has grabbed attention is that of Devdutt Padikkal. Though Padikkal was part of India’s last Test squad, he missed out on the selection for the Bangladesh series. However, he has put forth a strong case for a return with his exceptional performances in domestic cricket.
Padikkal’s Bat on Fire in Duleep Trophy
The ongoing match between India A and India D in the Duleep Trophy has showcased Devdutt Padikkal’s brilliance with the bat. Representing India D, Padikkal played a crucial knock, scoring 92 runs off 124 balls in the first innings. His innings included 15 boundaries, and he was the standout performer as his team could only manage 183 runs. Padikkal’s innings was vital, contributing more than half of the team’s total runs, highlighting his ability to step up when needed.
Not only did Padikkal impress in this game, but he has been in fine form throughout the tournament. In the first round of the Duleep Trophy, he also scored a solid half-century, further cementing his status as a player to watch.
Limited Opportunities at the International Level
Despite his domestic success, Devdutt Padikkal has had limited chances at the international level. He made his debut for India in 2021 during the T20 series against Sri Lanka. However, he only featured in two matches on that tour, where he scored a total of 38 runs. Since then, he has not been included in the national T20 team.
Earlier this year, Padikkal made his Test debut against England. He scored 65 runs in his first innings, showing potential in the longer format as well. But despite this, he wasn’t included in the squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, leaving fans and critics questioning the selection decisions.
Impressive Domestic Record
While opportunities at the international level have been few, Padikkal has continued to shine in domestic cricket. In 33 first-class matches, he has accumulated 2,348 runs at an average of 44.30, with 6 centuries and 14 half-centuries to his name. His consistency in the longer format proves he’s more than capable of succeeding at the highest level.
In List A cricket, his performances have been equally stellar. Padikkal has scored 1,875 runs in 30 matches at an impressive average of 81.52, including 8 centuries and 11 half-centuries. Additionally, in the T20 format, Padikkal has racked up 2,806 runs, further proving his versatility across formats.
Will Padikkal Return to Team India?
With such strong performances in domestic cricket, Devdutt Padikkal is making it hard for selectors to ignore him. His ability to consistently score runs, coupled with his recent Duleep Trophy performance, shows that he is ready to make a comeback to Team India.
