Devdutt Padikkal’s dream run in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has reopened a serious selection debate around India’s ODI batting depth. While the left-hander has already featured in T20Is and remains in the Test mix, his stunning consistency in 50-over cricket has now made a strong case for ODI inclusion as well.
Padikkal’s latest century against Tripura was not just another big score. It underlined a rare level of control, patience, and match awareness qualities that India often looks for in the ODI format. With scores of 147, 124, 113, and now 108 this season, Padikkal is comfortably leading the run charts and forcing the selectors to take notice.
Why Devdutt Padikkal’s List A numbers demand ODI attention
Padikkal currently boasts one of the best List A records in Indian domestic cricket. After his latest knock, his List A average stands at a staggering 83.38, the highest among players with at least 2,000 runs in the format. He crossed the 2,500-run mark in just his 38th List A game, having made his debut back in 2019.
Opening the innings for Karnataka alongside Mayank Agarwal, Padikkal has combined stability with intent. His strike rate of over 100 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy shows he is not just an accumulator but a modern ODI batter capable of scoring at pace. With 13 List A centuries in just 37 innings, all coming in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, his dominance at this level is hard to ignore.
Against Tripura, Karnataka were in early trouble after losing Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair cheaply. Padikkal responded with maturity, first steadying the innings with R Smaran and then building a key partnership with KL Rahul. His hundred came off 106 balls, featuring crisp stroke play without unnecessary risks. By the time he departed for 108 off 120 balls, Karnataka were firmly on course for a big total.
Can Padikkal solve India’s ODI combination puzzle?
India’s ODI setup is currently in transition, with selectors testing depth behind established names. Padikkal’s ability to bat long, rebuild when required, and still accelerate late makes him a strong option for the middle order or as a reserve opener. His temperament stands out, especially when compared to more aggressive but inconsistent options.
His performance also gains weight when seen alongside other domestic standouts this season. Hardik Pandya smashed a 68-ball century for Baroda, while Prithvi Shaw continued his resurgence with a solid knock for Maharashtra. Yet, Padikkal’s consistency across multiple games separates him from the pack.
What strengthens his case further is his adaptability. After rebuilding early against Tripura, Padikkal allowed Abhinav Manohar to provide the late flourish, showing he understands team needs over personal milestones. Karnataka eventually posted 332/7, a total built on Padikkal’s foundation. According to domestic data tracked by ESPNcricinfo, Padikkal currently tops the List A batting charts this season, reinforcing the weight of his performances.
The takeaway
Devdutt Padikkal has done everything possible at the domestic level to earn an ODI call-up. With form, numbers, and temperament on his side, the ball is now firmly in the selectors’ court.
