Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal is flexing his form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26, scoring his fourth century in just five matches. With India yet to announce the squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, Padikkal’s excellent form has put him firmly in the selectors’ thoughts.
When will India announce ODI squad vs New Zealand?
The Indian selectors are expected to name the ODI squad on January 3. Padikkal’s chances have improved following recent developments.
Padikkal's fightback helped Karnataka in VHT clash against Tripura
In Karnataka’s Group A match against Tripura at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 3, Padikkal once again showed his class. Tripura won the toss and opted to field, and Karnataka were in a spot of bother after losing Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair within the first three overs, slipping to 6 for 2.
Padikkal held the innings together with a calm and controlled knock. He stitched together a 136-run partnership to steady the innings and later added 65 more runs with KL Rahul, who scored a quick 35. Smaran also made a useful contribution with 60 runs.
ALSO READ: Exclusive: BCCI directs KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 squad
ALSO READ: IND vs NZ: Suspense ends over Shreyas Iyer's participation for ODI series against New Zealand
Padikkal reached the 100-run mark in the 38th over
Padikkal reached his hundred with a single in the 38th over, completing a composed and mature innings that helped Karnataka recover from a shaky start and regain control of the match. Padikkal's century helped Karnataka to reach 332-7 in 50 overs.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Impressive Performances in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Devdutt Padikkal has enjoyed a remarkable run in the VHT, smashing big scores almost every time he has walked out to bat for Karnataka.
He started the fifty-over tournament in style with a superb 147 off 118 balls against Jharkhand, playing a key role in a massive chase. In the very next match, he scored 124 off 137 balls against Kerala.
Padikkal then had a rare low score against Tamil Nadu, where he managed to score just 22 runs, but the setback did not last long. He bounced back with another century, scoring 113 off 116 balls against Puducherry.
Abhijit K Sarkar pick of the bowlers for Karnataka
Tripura's Abhijit K Sarkar was the pick of the bowlers with four scalps as he picked up Karnataka's top order, including Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair and Vidyadhar Patil.