Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik has expressed support for the recall of Devdutt Padikkal to the Indian cricket team. Padikkal has had a great start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, and has sent a message to the selectors to make a run for his place in the national team.
The 25-year-old batsman scored consecutive half-centuries against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Padikkal scored 61 runs in 21 balls in the opening match. He then scored a half-century in 29 balls, which helped Royal Challengers Bangalore post a mammoth total of 250 runs and win by 43 runs.
Devdutt Padikkal showed great courage to remain patient – Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik said that Devdutt Padikkal showed determination on a challenging pitch where it was difficult to score early runs. The RCB mentor said that the young batsman avoided hitting big shots, remained patient and later changed gears to score using proper cricket shots.
“The first thing that stands out is his determination. On a pitch like this, when runs don’t come easily in the beginning, many batsmen try to hit big shots and end up losing their wickets,” Karthik said on Star Sports’ Amul Cricket Live.
He said, “Devdutt showed great courage to remain composed when the conditions were tough. Once he got the first boundary, you could see him changing gears. He is playing proper cricket shots and hitting the ball with distance.”
It is difficult to keep Devdutt Padikkal out of the Indian team – Dinesh Karthik
The experienced wicketkeeper said that if Devdutt Padikkal continues his form then it will be difficult for the national selectors to ignore him. Dinesh Karthik also said that the stylish batsman has leadership skills and makes strong tactical contributions to the Karnataka domestic dressing room.
“If he keeps batting like this, it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for a long time. He has scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket and we know he is a quality player. It is also impressive the way he is growing as a leader in the Karnataka dressing room. Even at the age of 25, he contributes with his ideas and leadership, and it is great to see.”
During the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Padikkal scored 725 runs in 10 matches at an average of 90. He scored 309 runs in six Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches at an average of over 60 and a strike rate close to 180.
Devdutt Padikkal’s form strengthens India’s case for a Test comeback
Devdutt Padikkal battled a serious intestinal condition and frequent stomach infections between 2021 and 2023. Due to this disease as well as Covid-19, his weight decreased by about 10 kg.
The left-handed batsman followed a strict recovery plan with changes in diet and fitness. He made a strong comeback towards the end of 2023 and made his Test debut in 2024. Padikkal recently scored 543 runs in six Ranji Trophy matches, strengthening his case for a comeback into the national team.
India currently has the number three position vacant in Tests. Sai Sudarshan has not cemented his place in that role. Padikkal’s strong red-ball form makes him a strong option for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are managing a period of change in the Test. India recently lost home series against New Zealand and South Africa. The team is now less likely to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2027.
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