Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal is an elegant left-handed top-order batsman who has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most promising young talents. Born on July 7, 2000, in Kerala and raised in Karnataka, Padikkal gained national attention through his standout performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his graceful stroke play and calm temperament, he made headlines with Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020 and later joined Rajasthan Royals. Padikkal also made his international debut for India in 2021, marking his entry into the elite level. With a strong foundation in technique and temperament, Devdutt continues to be a bright prospect for Indian cricket across formats.

Early Life and Background

Devdutt Padikkal was born on July 7, 2000, in Edappal, Kerala, India, but he grew up in Bangalore, Karnataka. He began playing cricket at a young age and was enrolled at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket at just 11 years old. His tall frame, elegant batting technique, and natural stroke-making ability quickly made him a standout in age-group cricket. He first grabbed attention while representing Karnataka in junior tournaments and quickly moved up the ranks.

Domestic Career

Devdutt Padikkal made his debut for Karnataka in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy and instantly made an impact with his composed performances at the top of the order. He followed it up with a brilliant performance in the 2019–20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer for Karnataka.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019, Padikkal topped the run charts, scoring over 600 runs in just 11 matches, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s most promising young openers in domestic cricket.

Indian Premier League (IPL)

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Devdutt Padikkal was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the 2019 IPL season, but it was in IPL 2020 that he made his debut and announced himself in grand fashion. He scored 473 runs in his debut season, including five half-centuries, and earned the Emerging Player of the Season award.

His partnership with Virat Kohli at the top became a key component of RCB’s batting lineup. Padikkal impressed with his fluent cover drives, maturity beyond his years, and ability to pace his innings effectively.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

In the 2022 IPL Mega Auction, Devdutt Padikkal was bought by Rajasthan Royals for ₹7.75 crore. He was used in various roles, from opener to No. 3 and No. 4, showcasing flexibility in the batting lineup. Though his strike rate has seen ups and downs, his ability to hold the innings together remained valuable for the Royals.

IPL Career Stats (As of 2025)

Season Team Matches Runs Average 50s HS
2020 Royal Challengers 15 473 31.53 5 74
2021 Royal Challengers 14 411 31.61 1 101*
2022 Rajasthan Royals 17 376 22.11 1 54
2023 Rajasthan Royals 12 268 26.80 2 64
2024 Rajasthan Royals 11 251 22.81 1 50

International Career

Devdutt Padikkal made his India debut in July 2021, in a T20I against Sri Lanka during a COVID-affected tour. He showed glimpses of his potential but didn’t get many consistent opportunities at the international level thereafter.

With India’s top order already packed, Padikkal has largely featured in India A tours, building a strong case with consistent domestic performances.

Playing Style

Devdutt Padikkal is known for his stylish stroke play, particularly his drives through the off-side. As a left-handed top-order batsman, his elegant technique and composure at the crease draw comparisons with modern-day greats. Though not known for power-hitting, he makes up for it with timing, placement, and the ability to build innings.

He is often praised for:

  • Smooth footwork against spinners
  • Classic off-side play
  • Controlled aggression

Strengths & Areas to Improve

Strengths:

  • Technically sound batting technique
  • Calm under pressure
  • Adaptable across formats

Needs Improvement:

  • Acceleration in middle overs (especially in T20s)
  • Consistency against express pace

Achievements and Records

Achievement Description
IPL Emerging Player 2020 season for RCB
Highest IPL Score 101* vs Rajasthan Royals (2021)
Leading run-scorer Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019
First IPL Century Against Rajasthan Royals in 2021

Off the Field

Devdutt is known for being calm and focused. He keeps a low profile off the field and is dedicated to improving his craft. A fan of Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh, Padikkal often credits them as inspirations.

He enjoys football and fitness, often sharing glimpses of his training on social media.

Quick Facts About Devdutt Padikkal

Attribute Details
Full Name Devdutt Babunu Padikkal
Date of Birth July 7, 2000
Birthplace Edappal, Kerala, India
Role Top-order Batsman
Batting Style Left-handed bat
Bowling Style Right-arm off-break
IPL Teams RCB (2020–2021), RR (2022–)
India Debut T20I vs Sri Lanka, 2021

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