Why Devdutt Padikkal Is Unlikely To Make India’s Test Squad Right Now Despite Recent Heroics

Devdutt Padikkal shines against Australia A in Lucknow [Source: AFP]

India young batter Devdutt Padikkal reminded everyone of his talent with a fine century for India A against Australia A in Lucknow on September 19. The Karnataka batter started the day on 86 and reached his hundred in just 20 balls on the fourth morning. 

With this, he brought up his seventh First-Class century and also crossed the 3000-run milestone in First-Class cricket.

It was an impressive effort, especially considering this was only his second competitive match since May during the IPL 2025 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Earlier this month, he had also made a half-century in the Duleep Trophy semi-final. Clearly, Padikkal is in good touch and making the most of his opportunities.

But despite his recent form, it is unlikely that Padikkal will be considered for India’s upcoming Test series against West Indies in October and later against South Africa. Here’s why.

Inconsistent Test Start Since Debut Against England

Padikkal made his Test debut against England in Dharamsala in March 2024. He looked promising, scoring 65 on debut under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. However, his next opportunity came in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth. There, he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and managed only 25 runs in the second. That performance cost him his place in the playing XI for the rest of the tour.

Since then, he has not been part of India’s Test squad, even being overlooked for the England tour earlier this year. In short, while he showed promise early on, his Test numbers so far don’t inspire enough confidence for selectors to bring him back immediately.

Strong Competition For Middle Order

India’s Test middle order is crowded with experienced names and in-form domestic performers. Players like Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar are ahead of Padikkal in the pecking order, and the numbers back that up.

[Comparing Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal FC Stats]

• Shreyas Iyer: Over 6,400 First-Class runs at an average of 48, with 15 centuries. He scored nearly 500 runs in the recent Ranji Trophy season at an average close to 70.
• Rajat Patidar: More than 5,000 First-Class runs at an average above 44. Recently, he led Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title, scoring big runs along the way. His confidence is also sky-high after guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title earlier this year.
• Devdutt Padikkal: Over 3,000 First-Class runs at an average of 41 with 7 centuries. While impressive, his record is still a step behind the other two.

When selectors look at these options, it becomes difficult to justify picking Padikkal ahead of Iyer or Patidar, both of whom have better records and recent form.

Conclusion

The good news for Padikkal is that at just 25, time is on his side. He is already showing improved patience and maturity in red-ball cricket, as seen in his hundred against Australia A. If he continues piling up runs in the Ranji Trophy and for India A, he can certainly push his case harder.

For now, however, the competition is too strong, and his earlier Test outings were not convincing enough. Until he delivers a consistent run of big scores at the domestic and India A level, Padikkal is likely to remain on the fringes of India’s Test squad.

---

ALSO READ

RCB Blood Devdutt Padikkal Shines In Maharaja Trophy With Consistent Fifties

---