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RCB's retained IPL batter Devdutt Padikkal shows sublime form with stunning SMAT hundred

Debashis Sarangi

Devdutt Padikkal smashed a ton in SMAT [Source: AFP]Devdutt Padikkal smashed a ton in SMAT [Source: AFP]

Devdutt Padikkal changed his fortunes in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a sizzling hundred in Karnataka's ongoing encounter against Tamil Nadu. The southpaw had only 47 runs under his belt this season heading to the clash; however, he regained his mojo days after making it into Royal Challengers Bengaluru's retention list for the 2026 season. 

Padikkal shines with a ton as Karnataka sets daunting target for Tamil Nadu

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Tamil Nadu had a demoralising start to the day, with BR Sharath and Mayank Agarwal stitching a scintillating 69-run partnership for the opening wicket. Although T Natarajan dismissed Agarwal in the sixth over, Devdutt Padikkal kept the scoreboard ticking with flamboyant stroke play. 

BR Sharath smashed a blistering 23-ball 53, while Devdutt Padikkal blazed his way through to a magnificent century off just 45 balls. He hammered ten boundaries and six monstrous sixes for his 46-ball 102*, playing a pivotal role in powering Karnataka to a massive total of 245 runs. 

Veteran batter Karun Nair failed, departing for four runs, while SRH's retained batter Smaran Ravichandran contributed 46 crucial runs to Karnataka's tally. 

Devdutt Padikkal: A vital cog in RCB setup for IPL 2026

Left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal was one of the chief architects in RCB's maiden IPL glory last season. With Phil Salt and Virat Kohli opening the batting, the Karnataka batter shone brightly at number three, slamming 247 runs at an average of 27.44 and a strike rate of 150.61, his best-ever in a single IPL edition. 

So, his return to form is an encouraging sign for the Royal Challengers, as they aim to defend their title in the 2026 season. Now, regarding the match, Tamil Nadu have had a shaky start, reeling at 65 for three in 7.2 overs as of writing.