Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik has heaped praise on top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal after his half-century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in home clash of ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Padikkal has scored two consecutive fifties in the season already and Karthik feels that a run like this will make it difficult for Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to keep him out of the Indian side for long. Karthik is in awe of Padikkal’s mental toughness to stay patient and not throw his wicket away.
“The first thing that stands out is his determination. On a pitch like this, when runs don’t come easily at the start, many batters try to force a big shot and end up giving their wicket away. Devdutt showed great courage to stay patient when the going was tough. Once he got that first boundary, you could see him switch gears. He’s playing proper cricketing shots and hitting the ball with distance. If he continues batting like this, it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for long,” Karthik told the broadcasters after RCB’s 43-run win over CSK.
Padikkal contributed with a 29-ball 50, featuring five fours and two sixes against Ruturaj Gaikwad's CSK. Karthik pointed out Padikkal’s domestic cricket record and how he has become an integral part of the leadership group in Karnataka and RCB dressing room.
“He has scored heavily in domestic cricket and we know he’s a quality player. What’s also impressive is the way he’s stepping up as a leader in the Karnataka dressing room. Even at 25, he contributes with his ideas and leadership, and that’s great to see,” the former wicketkeeper-batter added.
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When was the last time Padikkal played a T20I?
Padikkal made his last T20I appearance in 2021 on Sri Lanka tour. Since then, he made his Test debut in 2004 and also played the Perth Test in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has been a part of the Test side but hasn't got a chance of late.
No maiden ODI call-up despite 82.23 List A average
Meanwhile, the Karnataka batter hasn’t been able to break through into India ODI setup despite a stellar record in List A cricket. From 42 games, he has 2,796 runs in the 50-over format at a stupendous average of 82.23. He has 13 centuries and 14 fifties to his name as well.