Devdutt Padikkal last played for India in Tests in 2024
“You have to show that you belong.” It was a straightforward response by Devdutt Padikkal when he was asked about the lack of consistent opportunities in the Indian cricket team. In a country where the competition for a place in the playing XI is extremely tough, talent alone doesn’t ensure a long career. One needs to score consistently and be lucky enough to find a place in the squad.
The 25-year-old has been one of the most steady performers in domestic cricket over the past few seasons. made his national debut in 2021 in T20I cricket, but the southpaw has played only a few matches at the international level.
“It’s not easy to get a longer run. You have to work hard. Hopefully I’ll get that long run,” Devdutt Padikkal told Hindustan Times on the sidelines of Ranji Trophy 2025-26 quarterfinal.
But consistency in domestic cricket does not guarantee a spot in the senior team. DDP is facing tough competition from the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad for a spot in white-ball cricket, and with Dhruv Jurel and Sai Sudharsan in Tests.
Padikkal understands this as much as anybody else. The left-hander averages an impressive 82.23 in List-A cricket, and 725 runs at 90.62 in Karnataka’s journey to the semifinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. But an ODI cap remains out of his reach.
In First-Class cricket, Padikkal scored 812 runs at an average of 81.20 in the 2023-24 season. He followed it up with a half-century on his Test debut against England in Dharamshala, though he has played only two Tests so far.
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However, the top-order batter now boasts a strong chance to make it in the Test squad. While facing a challenging period in home Tests, including whitewashes against New Zealand and reigning world champions South Africa, Padikkal has pointed out that improving against spin is a key focus area.
“In my latest innings, I’ve felt there are things I need to work on. Especially playing spin, considering what we’ve been going through as an Indian side,” he added.
India’s recent problems have been particularly evident against spin bowling. Since the New Zealand series, batters have averaged below expectations against spin at home. Opposing spinners have performed equally well or better, adding to the team’s unusual slump in home conditions. This came after India’s 12-year dominance at home, having not lost a single series from 2012 to 2024.
Devdutt Padikkal has also discussed the challenge of adjusting to different batting roles across teams and formats. He bats at No.3 for in Tests and for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. He opens the innings or bats in the middle order for Karnataka based on team’s requirement and combination.
“When you bat in different formats, you learn to bat in different positions,” he said. “The turnaround time can be very short, which makes it tough, but in India, there can be no excuses.”
Despite having limited international chances, Devdutt Padikkal continues to perform well in domestic cricket. He played a crucial role in RCB’s first IPL title in 2025, scoring 247 runs at a strike rate of 150.60. He recently led Karnataka in a successful chase against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, making an unbeaten 120 in his first match as captain.
As the competition for batting spots remains fierce, Padikkal’s focus on adaptability and technical improvement shows his commitment to staying in contention for future selection.
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