![Devdutt Padikkal [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768470875438_Devdutt Padikkal.jpg)
Devdutt Padikkal [Source: AFP]
Devdutt Padikkal, who has been enjoying a sensational run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025–26, faced a rare setback during the semifinal clash against Vidarbha on Thursday, January 15.
Despite being in red-hot form throughout the tournament, the Karnataka opener registered his first single-digit score of the season, bringing an unexpected pause to an otherwise dominant campaign.
Devdutt Padikkal goes for low score vs Vidarbha
After Karnataka won the toss and opted to bat first, Padikkal walked out to open the innings alongside captain Mayank Agarwal. However, the innings failed to gain early momentum. Mayank Agarwal was dismissed cheaply for 9 runs off 10 balls, putting immediate pressure on the top order.
Soon after, in the seventh over of the innings, Padikkal, who had looked solid but cautiousm, was dismissed for just 4 runs off 19 balls. Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur produced a disciplined back-of-a-length delivery, inducing an edge that was neatly collected by wicketkeeper Rohit Binkar.
As a result, Padikkal’s lean outing marked his first single-digit score of the season, surprising fans and experts alike.
A Stellar VHT campaign for Devdutt Padikkal
Nevertheless, this rare failure does little to overshadow Padikkal’s exceptional tournament. The left-handed batter has been in breathtaking form since the opening match.
To begin with, he announced his intent by smashing a magnificent 147 against Jharkhand. Subsequently, he followed it up with another commanding century, scoring 124 against Kerala.
As the tournament progressed, Padikkal continued his run-scoring spree, piling up runs with remarkable consistency. In total, the 25-year-old has accumulated 725 runs in just nine innings at an impressive strike rate of 98.24 and an outstanding average of 90.63.
Moreover, his tally includes five centuries and two half-centuries, placing him firmly at the top of the tournament’s run charts.
Devdutt Padikkal makes history in VHT
In addition to his match-winning performances, Padikkal also etched his name into the record books. Notably, earlier this month, he became the first cricketer in VHT history to score over 700 runs in two different seasons. In the ongoing edition, he has already crossed the 700-run mark, averaging over 100.
Furthermore, his dominance is not limited to a single season. Previously, during the 2021–22 edition, he scored 737 runs in just seven innings. Even earlier, Padikkal became the first batter to score over 600 runs in three different VHT seasons, underlining his consistency and class at the domestic level.
Meanwhile, Padikkal’s form has not been restricted to the 50-over format. In the SMAT 2025, he impressed once again, scoring 309 runs in six innings at a blistering strike rate of 167.03.
What lies ahead for Devdutt Padikkal
Importantly, Devdutt Padikkal has already represented India at the highest level. He has played two Test matches, scoring 90 runs, and featured in two T20 Internationals, adding 38 runs to his name. His most recent appearance for Team India came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25.
Going forward, he will be eager to bounce back stronger and continue knocking on the doors of the national side with consistent performances.
