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Devdutt Padikkal issues final warning to selectors with 4th century in 5 VHT games

Anurag Dasgupta

Padikkal knocks on selection table with another hundred [Source: @sportstarweb/x.com] Padikkal knocks on selection table with another hundred [Source: @sportstarweb/x.com]

Another Vijay Hazare Trophy match and another century for the Karnataka batter, Devdutt Padikkal. The southpaw has been in stellar form in the ongoing tournament as he tore apart the Tripura attack with utmost ease to complete his hundred in 106 balls on a tricky wicket.

This was his fourth hundred in the tournament in just five matches as Padikkal has stamped his authority for a selection in India’s ODI squad for the series against New Zealand, starting on January 11. 

The game started on a tricky note for Karnataka as they lost both Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair cheaply, but Padikkal once again resurrected the innings and smashed a record-fourth century in the tournament.

Should Padikkal be included in ODI squad vs New Zealand?

Devdutt Padikkal, man in form, is the leading run-getter in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, and has already racked up more than 500 runs in the tournament, with the average and strike rate in excess of 100. Also, he has hit 45 boundaries in the competition, solidifying his status as the next big star in Indian ODI setup.

In an ideal scenario, the BCCI should reward Padikkal with a place in the ODI setup, as the team needs to groom players for the future. However, the big question arises, where will Padikkal slot in? 

With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers, and Virat Kohli set to play at 3, the only questionable spot is the number 4 position. Shreyas Iyer is doubtful for selection, and while Ruturaj Gaikwad will be given preference at 4, Padikkal will bring a different dynamism, as he offers a left-handed batting angle and will break the right-handed monotony.

Fans demand Padikkal's selection in ODI setup

After his fourth hundred in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025, and his 13th in 37 List-A games, fans are demanding the selectors to include Padikkal in the ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.



The Indian team for the New Zealand series is likely to be announced on Saturday and all eyes will be on the selectors as Padikkal has increased their headache with yet another hundred.