By Krishna Dua 
Ranji Trophy 2026: Devdutt Padikkal’s Standout Show
The 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season has already produced one of the most dominant individual batting performances in recent domestic cricket history, courtesy of Karnataka’s left-handed opener Devdutt Padikkal. At 25 years of age, Padikkal has transformed himself into a run-accumulating force, single-handedly keeping Karnataka competitive in Elite Group A while sending an unmistakable signal to national selectors ahead of the England Test tour later in the year.
Through the first nine matches of the season (as of 1 February 2026), Padikkal has scored 1,198 runs at an average of 92.15 in 15 innings. The tally includes five centuries and six fifties, with a highest score of 206. He has faced 1,762 balls, struck 142 fours and 17 sixes, and has been dismissed only six times in his last nine innings. His current streak of nine consecutive scores of fifty or more is the longest by any Indian batsman in first-class cricket since Cheteshwar Pujara’s run in 2012–13.
As Karnataka prepare for their final group-stage fixture against Tamil Nadu (5–8 February 2026 at Alur), Padikkal’s form has become the single biggest domestic talking point. Below is a detailed look at his season statistics, signature innings, technical evolution, statistical milestones and what his current purple patch means for his India future.
Statistical Dominance: Numbers That Stand Out
Padikkal’s campaign began modestly with scores of 42 and 18 against Baroda in Vadodara (November 2025). Since then he has produced an extraordinary sequence:
- 134 & 78* vs Railways, Delhi
- 206 vs Madhya Pradesh, Indore
- 91 & 112* vs Vidarbha, Nagpur
- 167 vs Saurashtra, Rajkot
- 89 & 54* vs Mumbai, Wankhede
- 76 vs Andhra, Visakhapatnam
- 188* vs Kerala, Alur
- 103 vs Services, Bengaluru (most recent innings, 30–31 January 2026)
He has now crossed 1,000 first-class runs in a season for the third time in his career, joining an elite list that includes legends like Vijay Hazare, Vinoo Mankad, Vijay Manjrekar and more recently Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Agarwal. His average of 92.15 is the highest by any Indian batsman in a Ranji season since Wasim Jaffer’s 95.50 in 2008–09. Padikkal has spent more than 3,200 minutes at the crease this season—the most by any player—and has been involved in 11 century partnerships.
His conversion rate is exceptional: of the 11 times he has crossed fifty this season, he has gone on to make a hundred five times (45 % conversion), far above the domestic average of ~25 % for top-order batsmen.
Signature Innings That Defined the Season
The double-hundred against Madhya Pradesh in Indore (December 2025) set the tone. Coming in at 42/2 on a greenish surface offering early swing, Padikkal batted for 412 minutes, faced 298 balls and struck 26 fours. He added 312 for the third wicket with KL Rahul, rescuing Karnataka from early trouble and setting up an innings victory.
The unbeaten 188* against Kerala at Alur (30–31 January 2026) was arguably his finest knock. Karnataka were set 312 to win in 78 overs on a wearing pitch with the ball turning sharply. Padikkal walked in at 38/2, lost partners at regular intervals, yet batted through the final day, finishing unbeaten on 188 off 312 balls with 19 fours. He paced the chase perfectly—defensive in the first session, accelerating after tea—and remained not out when Karnataka reached the target with six wickets in hand.
Selectors and former players have repeatedly praised his temperament to bat long periods without losing concentration—a skill that has been missing in Indian top-order batting in Test cricket since the retirement of Pujara and Kohli from the format.
Technical Strengths and Subtle Improvements
Padikkal’s batting rests on classical fundamentals:
- Extremely compact defence against both pace and spin
- High back-lift and excellent balance for elegant drives
- Strong against short bowling—pulls and hooks played with control
- Soft hands and late play against spin, especially effective against left-arm orthodox and off-spin
- Ability to use his feet to spinners on turning tracks
Areas of visible improvement since 2024–25:
- Leaving deliveries outside off stump more consistently (dismissed only twice nicking to slip in the first 20 balls this season)
- Better rotation of strike under pressure (strike rate in 50–100 run partnerships ≈ 62)
- Stronger against left-arm pace swinging the new ball away (only two dismissals by left-arm seamers this season)
Minor weaknesses that still attract scrutiny include occasional flirtation outside off early in innings and limited six-hitting power compared with modern T20 openers (only 17 sixes in 1,198 runs this season).
Impact on Karnataka’s Campaign and National Selection Debate
Karnataka currently occupy second position in Elite Group A with 48 points from nine games (six wins, two draws, one loss). Padikkal has been involved in 11 century stands this season and has contributed 71 % of Karnataka’s total runs when he has batted. His consistency has allowed Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul (when available) and Nikin Jose to play freely.
Nationally, Padikkal’s Ranji form has reignited calls for his Test recall. He last played a Test in December 2024 against Australia in Perth, scoring 45 and 22. Since then he has been in and out of limited-overs squads but overlooked for red-ball cricket. His current domestic average of 92.15, combined with five first-class centuries this season, makes a compelling case for inclusion in the England Test squad (July–August 2026).
Former India opener Aakash Chopra tweeted on 30 January: “Devdutt Padikkal is batting like a man possessed. 1,200 runs in Ranji, five hundreds, no failures in sight. If he’s not in the Test squad for England, selectors need to explain why.”
Expert and Public Reactions
The cricket community has reacted with near-unanimous praise:
- Sanjay Manjrekar: “Padikkal is showing the temperament required for Test cricket—patience, technique and hunger.”
- Harsha Bhogle: “The left-hander we have been waiting for. Elegant, compact and ruthless when set.”
- Karnataka coach J Arun Kumar: “He has worked hard on his fitness and mental conditioning. This is the Devdutt we always knew he could be.”
Fans have launched #PadikkalForEngland on social media, with thousands of posts and fan edits of his cover drives synced to motivational music.
Looking Ahead: Remaining Fixtures and India Prospects
Karnataka’s final group-stage match against Tamil Nadu (5–8 February 2026 at Alur) is crucial. A win could secure a top-two finish and a direct quarter-final spot. Padikkal will be expected to anchor the innings once again on a pitch expected to assist spin.
If he maintains his form, selectors may find it difficult to ignore him for the England Tests. His left-handedness offers balance to the top order (especially against swing in English conditions), and his ability to bat long periods suits the longer format perfectly.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Ranji Trophy 2026 season is already one for the record books. Whether it translates into an India Test recall or not, the 25-year-old has reminded everyone why he was once considered the next big thing in Indian batting. For now he remains the undisputed king of domestic red-ball cricket.