Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal continued his blistering form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and registered his third century in four games. With India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand yet to be announced, Padikkal's terrific form may see him be considered by the selectors.
Padikkal had opened Karnataka's innings alongside skipper Mayank Agarwal during the match against Puducherry. The duo ensured that the team got off to a phenomenal start. While the two didn't play in explosive fashion, they batted sensibly and pounced on loose deliveries whenever they could. Both the batters looked very composed in the middle as the opposing bowlers struggled for wickets.
Agarwal and Padikkal's enormous stand
Agarwal and Padikkal ensured that Karnataka maintained a great run-rate and eventually both of them went on to reach their hundreds. It was an incredible start for the side as they crossed the 200-run mark without losing any wickets. Padikkal would eventually lose his wicket in the 38th over for 113 runs and it was spinner Jayant Yadav, who got the much-needed breakthrough for Puducherry. The wicket also brought an end to the gigantic partnership of 228 runs
Agarwal would also be dismissed soon after for 132 runs as Karnataka went down to 266/2. However, a fiery knock of 62 from Karun Nair and cameos from both Smaran Ravichandran (21) and Abhinav Manohar (21) got Karnataka to a massive total of 363/4 after 50 overs.
Padikkal's prolific run of form
Padikkal had previously scored hundreds against both Jharkhand and Kerala. He had began his Vijay Hazare Trophy with a sensational knock of 147 against Jharkhand and had followed that up with an inning of 124 against Kerala in the second round. The left-hand batter already has 405 runs in the domestic tournament and has been one of the most consistent performers so far.
ALSO READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad impresses ahead of NZ ODIs, rescues Maharashtra with gritty hundred in VHT
The 25-year-old's numbers in List A cricket are nothing short of superb. In just 37 games, Padikkal has scored a total of 2477 runs, including 12 centuries and half-centuries each. His last appearance at the international stage came against Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series in November, 2024. It remains to be seen if his sensational run of form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will see him get called back to Team India.