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Devdutt Padikkal reminded everyone of his class with a fantastic century in Karnataka’s knockout match against Baroda. Playing at Vadodara’s Moti Bagh Stadium on January 11, the elegant left-hander scored 102 off 99 balls. After missing more opportunities during the Australian tour, this knock was a strong statement.
The 24-year-old, who was part of India A’s parallel tour to Australia, was not given a second chance after the first Test in Perth. But his latest performance shows that he is not done fighting for his place in the national organization.
Padikkal takes lead against Baroda after first wicket
Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal went down early, leaving the team in trouble. But Padikkal took charge from the beginning. Opening alongside Agarwal, he found boundaries with ease in the powerplay and kept the scoreboard ticking.
While Padikkal sailed, Aneesh KV took his time to adjust. Together, the duo formed a vital partnership of 133 runs for the second wicket, putting Karnataka back on track.
Padikkal reached his century in the 29th over, needing just 96 balls to get there. His knock was packed with 15 fours and 2 sixes, a perfect blend of class and aggression that dismantled the Baroda bowlers.
Quick exit after the ton
Unfortunately, Padikkal’s stay ended soon after his century. In the 32nd over, Raj Limbani got him out for 102. Limbani also dismissed Aneesh KV earlier, who made a solid 52 off 64 balls.
Padikkal’s innings was not just about runs. It was about making a statement. His calculated aggression showed his hunger to prove himself. This was his ninth century in List A cricket, where he averages over 80, a remarkable statistic for someone still building his career.
Padikkal’s last appearances
Padikkal’s journey into cricket has had its fair share of twists. His last List A match was against Chandigarh in the previous season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored a brilliant 114 at No 3 to help Karnataka win by 22 runs.
However, his stint with India A in Australia did not go as planned. He scored 36 and 88 in the first game, but had problems in the first games. In the series opener against Australia in Perth, Padikkal was picked in place of Abhimanyu Easwaran but failed to capitalise. Josh Hazlewood dismissed him for a duck in the first innings and managed just 25 in the second.
After that, he didn’t get another chance. Once Shubman Gill recovered from his injury, Padikkal was sidelined. His only other outing was in a warm-up match with the pink ball, where he remained undefeated with four.
But now, with this century of victories, Padikkal has put his name back in the limelight.
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