Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik expressed support for Devdutt Padikkal regarding his recall to the Indian cricket team. Padikkal has started the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season on an impressive note, sending a message to the selectors for a place in the national squad.
The 25-year-old batter scored consecutive half-centuries against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Padikkal smashed 61 runs off 21 deliveries in the opening match. He then hit a 29-ball fifty to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru post a massive total of 250 runs and secure a 43-run victory.
Devdutt Padikkal Showed Great Courage To Stay Patient – Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik said that Devdutt Padikkal showed determination on a challenging pitch where runs were hard to score early. The RCB mentor noted that the young batter avoided forcing big shots, stayed patient, and later switched gears to score using proper cricketing shots.
Your daily dose of cricket!
“The first thing that stands out is his determination. On a pitch like this, when runs don’t come easily at the start, many batters try to force a big shot and end up giving their wicket away,” said Karthik on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’.
“Devdutt showed great courage to stay patient when the going was tough. Once he got that first boundary, you could see him switch gears. He’s playing proper cricketing shots and hitting the ball with distance,” he added.
Difficult To Keep Devdutt Padikkal Out Of The Indian Team – Dinesh Karthik
The veteran wicketkeeper said that national selectors will find it difficult to ignore Devdutt Padikkal if he continues his form. Dinesh Karthik also said that the stylish batter has leadership skills and makes strong tactical contributions in the Karnataka domestic dressing room.
“If he continues batting like this, it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for long. He has scored heavily in domestic cricket, and we know he’s a quality player. What’s also impressive is the way he’s stepping up as a leader in the Karnataka dressing room. Even at 25, he contributes with his ideas and leadership, and that’s great to see.”
During the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Padikkal amassed 725 runs in 10 matches at an average of 90. He also 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 Case For India Test Return
Devdutt Padikkal battled a serious intestinal condition and recurring stomach infections between 2021 and 2023. The illness, along with Covid-19, caused him to lose nearly 10 kilograms.
The left-handed batter followed a strict recovery plan with diet and fitness changes. He made a strong comeback by late 2023 and earned his Test debut in 2024. Padikkal recently scored 543 runs in six Ranji Trophy matches, strengthening his case for a return to the national team.
India currently have a vacancy at the number three position in Tests. Sai Sudharsan has not secured 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 transition phase in Tests. India recently lost home series against New Zealand and South Africa. The team now has slim chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 final.
Also read: Not Sanju Samson or Ruturaj Gaikwad! This player labeled as CSK’s biggest problem in IPL 2026
