Padikkal Powers Karnataka to Vijay Hazare Trophy Final
In a sensational display of form, Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal registered his seventh consecutive fifty-plus score in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, guiding his team to the tournament final. On Wednesday, Padikkal’s crucial 86-run knock played a pivotal role as Karnataka successfully chased a target of 238 against their opponents at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
The chase began shakily for Karnataka, with captain Mayank Agarwal dismissed in the very first over by pacer Anshul Kamboj. However, Padikkal stabilized the innings, partnering with Smaran (76) to form a game-defining 128-run stand for the third wicket. Karnataka secured victory with 16 balls to spare, finishing at 238/5.
Milestone Alert: Padikkal Tops List A Batting Charts
During his impressive innings, Padikkal surpassed the 2000-run mark in List A cricket, achieving a phenomenal batting average of 82.38—the highest in the format’s history for players with at least 2000 runs. This remarkable feat places him ahead of notable cricketers like Ruturaj Gaikwad (58.16), Michael Bevan (57.86), Virat Kohli (57.05), and AB de Villiers (53.47).
The left-hander’s current streak of fifty-plus scores matches his previous record from the 2021-22 season. His latest streak includes scores of 86, 102, 114, 93*, 70, 117, and 71*.
Return from Australia and a Stellar Vijay Hazare Campaign
Padikkal rejoined the Karnataka team after representing India in the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Upon his return, he immediately made an impact in the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinals, scoring a 99-ball 102 against Baroda.
Earlier, Padikkal had impressed on the India A tour of Australia, scoring 88 runs in Mackay. He was subsequently included in the senior squad for the Perth Test, where he managed scores of 0 and 25 while batting at No. 3. Despite his limited opportunities, his performances have kept him in contention for a senior-team role.
Champions Trophy Selection: Padikkal’s Growing Case
As the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee prepares to announce India’s Champions Trophy squad after the Vijay Hazare Trophy concludes, Padikkal’s consistent performances could make him a strong candidate. While competition for top-order spots remains fierce, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill leading the race, Padikkal has emerged as a viable backup option for the marquee tournament.
With his record-breaking streak and unwavering form, Padikkal has certainly put himself on the selectors’ radar, offering a compelling case for his inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy plans.
