Devdutt Padikkal makes a strong case for India selection with four centuries in his last five List A outings, showcasing consistency and class.
India are scheduled to play 27 ODIs before the 2027 ODI World Cup, making the nine three-match series in this period crucial for identifying a settled core for the ICC tournament next year. One strong contender knocking on the selectors’ door is Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal, who is in fine form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. Although Padikkal missed out on selection for the home ODI series against New Zealand, his consistency in the white-ball format keeps him firmly in contention for future series.
Devdutt Padikkal’s performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
In five matches in the tournament so far, Padikkal, opening the innings for Karnataka, has scored four centuries. In the opening game against Jharkhand, he guided his side in a daunting chase of 413 with a sublime 147 off 118 balls. His innings, which included seven sixes, even overshadowed Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking 39-ball 125 for Jharkhand.
In the second match against Kerala, he struck 124 and stitched a match-winning 223-run partnership with Karun Nair as the team chased down a target of 285 with eight wickets to spare. He suffered a rare failure in the third match against Tamil Nadu, where he was bowled for 22 off 12 balls. However, the team still registered their third consecutive win.
In the fourth match against Puducherry, he and fellow opener Mayank Agarwal stitched together a 228-run partnership. Padikkal scored 113 off 116 balls, while Mayank finished with 132 off 124 deliveries, as the team secured another win.
In the fifth match against Tripura, Padikkal continued his run-scoring spree, rescuing Karnataka from 6 for 2 and guiding the team to 332/7 with a 120-ball 108, his fourth century in five matches. He controlled his attacking game when Karnataka were under pressure early on and helped build a platform for the team to accelerate in the death overs. Padikkal took the score to 265/5 in the 44th over before losing his wicket, while Karnataka eventually finished with a match-winning total of 332/7.
Across his four centuries, Padikkal showed that he can attack from the very first over, counter-attack while chasing targets above 400, or play the waiting game when under pressure to set up a big total. It highlights his maturity as an opener who can adapt and play different roles depending on the need of the hour.
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How can this consistency help Padikkal?
Just as Ishan Kishan was rewarded for his domestic performances with a place in the 2026 World T20 squad, Padikkal can be hopeful of earning a chance in India’s white-ball setup if he continues to stay consistent in domestic cricket.
Although he missed out on selection for the home ODI series against New Zealand, there are still eight ODI series left to be played, and the southpaw could be considered if India look to test their bench strength due to injuries or the unavailability of first-choice players. Hence, Padikkal would do well to continue his strong form and remain in the hunt for national selection.
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Devdutt Padikkal’s potential role in ODIs
At present, there is no room at the top of the order with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal as opening options, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 3. If Rohit and Gill open, Jaiswal could drop to No. 3, with Kohli batting at No. 4, or vice versa, as it would be unfair to leave Jaiswal out after his maiden ODI century. Hence, it would be difficult for Padikkal to get an opportunity as an opener whenever he is picked. However, if any of the first-choice openers are unavailable, he could get a look-in.
Otherwise, if Padikkal continues to stay consistent and earns a place in India’s ODI squad, he could be tried in the middle order, where he can play the role of an anchor. With question marks over Shreyas Iyer’s fitness, the BCCI may be tempted to give Padikkal an opportunity and test his temperament, skills and patience at the international level. He could also be used as a floater in the XI, batting anywhere from No. 3 to No. 7, where his wide range as a cricketer can be tested and put to best use.
Even if the team management finalises the core squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, there remains a possibility that one or two players may lose form or be unavailable for national duties. It is also possible that the BCCI may opt to include an extra batter in the squad as a back-up to the first-choice XI. In such a scenario, if Padikkal continues to stay in the spotlight for his consistency, he could get the opportunity to be drafted into the squad.
Padikkal adikkala. Idikkaraan! 🚪
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 3, 2026
147, 124, 22, 113, 108. 4 hundreds in 5 games in the Hazare this season.
Overall List A numbers: 2585 runs at 83.38, with 13 hundreds in just 38 innings.
Absolutely mind boggling.
An ODI call up soon? pic.twitter.com/L5zpmr9ysE
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