From a forgettable IPL 2024 to a stunning RCB comeback in 2025, Devdutt Padikkal reclaims his place among India’s most promising cricket talents with match-winning performances across formats.
Devdutt Padikkal, the elegant left-handed batsman from Karnataka, has solidified his reputation as one of India’s most promising cricketers. Known for his stylish stroke play and ability to anchor innings, Padikkal has made significant strides in 2025, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket.
Devdutt Padikkal Personal Profile
- Full Name: Devdutt Padikkal
- Date of Birth: July 7, 2000 (Age: 25)
- Birthplace: Edappal, Kerala, India
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break (occasional)
- Role: Top-order batsman
- Teams: India, India A, India U-19, Karnataka, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Ballari Tuskers, Gulbarga Mystics, Hubli Tigers
- Net Worth (2024): Estimated at INR 10 crores, driven by IPL contracts and endorsements
Padikkal’s cricketing journey began in Edappal, Kerala, before his family relocated to Hyderabad and later Bengaluru in 2011 to nurture his talent. Training at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket, he rose through Karnataka’s age-group system, debuting at the U-16 and U-19 levels in 2014.
Latest Updates: Padikkal’s 2025 Performances
IPL 2025: A Triumphant Return to RCB
Padikkal’s return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025, after stints with Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, has been a defining moment. Acquired for INR 2 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, he has rediscovered his form as an opener, contributing significantly to RCB’s strong campaign.
- IPL 2025 Stats (as of July 2025):
- Matches: 10
- Runs: 247
- Strike Rate: 150.6
- Fours/Sixes: 21/14
- Key Innings:
- 61 off 35 balls vs. Punjab Kings, showcasing his aggressive intent.
- 50 off 27 balls vs. Rajasthan Royals, proving his ability to dominate quality bowling.
- 17 off 15 balls vs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in May 2025, a gritty knock in a high-pressure chase.
- Impact: Padikkal’s performances at iconic venues like Chepauk, Wankhede, Jaipur, Mullanpur, and Chinnaswamy have helped RCB secure a top-two spot in the IPL 2025 standings, underlining his importance as a top-order mainstay.
- Notable Achievements:
- Padikkal joined Virat Kohli on an exclusive RCB list, becoming only the second Indian to achieve a specific milestone (likely related to run-scoring or partnerships) in IPL 2025.
- He expressed his lifelong dream of winning an IPL trophy with RCB, reflecting his deep connection to the franchise as both a player and a fan.
- Padikkal credited his IPL resurgence to finding his cricketing identity after 3–4 years of adaptation, emphasizing his focus on consistency and adaptability.
Domestic Cricket: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024–25
Padikkal played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024–25 triumph:
- Scored a century against Baroda in the quarterfinal, anchoring the innings.
- Followed with a crucial fifty in the semifinal, guiding Karnataka to the title.
- In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024–25, he was Karnataka’s top run-getter with 465 runs in 5 matches, including two centuries and three fifties at a strike rate of 118, showcasing his dominance in white-ball cricket.
Maharaja Trophy 2025
In July 2025, Padikkal was a marquee signing at the KSCA Maharaja Trophy auction, a Karnataka-based T20 tournament. Hubli Tigers secured him for INR 13.20 lakh after a competitive bidding war, with teammate Mayank Agarwal playing a key role in the acquisition. This move highlights Padikkal’s growing stature in domestic T20 leagues, and he is expected to lead Hubli Tigers’ batting in the ongoing tournament.
International Career: Progress and Challenges
Padikkal’s international career has shown flashes of brilliance, but health setbacks and intense competition have limited his opportunities.
- Test Cricket:
- Debut: March 7, 2024, vs. England in Dharamshala (5th Test). Scored 65 off 103 balls in his only innings, displaying his composure in the longest format.
- Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 (Australia): Included in India’s squad for the five-Test series. Played in the first Test in Perth (November 22, 2024), scoring 0 (23) and 25 (71). Despite India’s victory, Padikkal was excluded from the XI for subsequent Tests, reflecting the depth in India’s batting lineup.
- T20I Debut: July 28, 2021, vs. Sri Lanka. Scored 29 off 23 balls and 9 off 15 balls in his two T20I appearances, showing promise but struggling for consistency.
- ODI Debut: August 2022 vs. Zimbabwe. Limited opportunities in ODIs, with no standout performances reported recently.
Padikkal’s international journey was disrupted by health challenges, including COVID-19 and an intestinal condition in 2021–23, which affected his form and fitness. However, his domestic resurgence in 2023–24 and early 2025 has kept him in the selectors’ radar.
IPL Career: A Rollercoaster Journey
Padikkal’s IPL career, spanning 74 matches across RCB, RR, and LSG, reflects his growth and adaptability:
- Overall IPL Stats (2020–2025):
- Matches: 74
- Runs: 1,806
- Average: 25.44
- Strike Rate: ~125–150 (varies by season)
- Centuries: 1 (101* off 52 balls vs. RR, 2021)
- Half-Centuries: 11
- Fours/Sixes: 190/56
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2019–2021):
- Debuted in 2020, scoring 473 runs in 15 matches (average: 31.53, strike rate: 125.00), including five fifties, earning the Emerging Player Award.
- In 2021, scored 411 runs, highlighted by his maiden IPL century (101* vs. RR), outshining Virat Kohli in a 10-wicket victory.
- Became the first player to score three fifties in his first four IPL matches.
- Rajasthan Royals (2022–2023):
- Acquired for INR 7.75 crores in the 2022 mega auction. Scored 637 runs in 28 matches (average: 24.11), struggling in the middle order compared to his preferred opening role.
- Milestone: Reached his 1,000th IPL run in April 2022.
- Lucknow Super Giants (2024):
- Traded to LSG for IPL 2024 but endured a torrid season, scoring only 38 runs in 7 innings (average: 5.43), leading to his release.
- Return to RCB (2025):
- His return to RCB has been a game-changer, with 247 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.6, re-establishing him as a key opener alongside Kohli.
Domestic Cricket: A Run-Scoring Machine
Padikkal’s domestic performances have been the backbone of his career, showcasing his consistency across formats:
- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2020–21: Made history as the first Indian to score four consecutive List A hundreds, amassing 737 runs in 7 matches.
- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023–24: Karnataka’s leading run-scorer with 465 runs in 5 matches, including two centuries and three fifties.
- Ranji Trophy 2021–22: Scored his maiden first-class century (178 vs. Puducherry).
- Ranji Trophy 2023–24: Notched four centuries in six first-class games, including 151* vs. Tamil Nadu, 105 and 65 vs. England Lions, and 193 vs. Punjab, earning his Test call-up.
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023–24: Scored 119 runs in 5 T20s at a strike rate of 118.
- Karnataka Premier League (KPL) 2017: Gained prominence with a 53-ball 72 for Ballari Tuskers.
Overcoming Challenges
Padikkal faced significant hurdles in 2021–23:
- Health Setbacks: Contracted COVID-19 before IPL 2021 and battled an acute intestinal condition, impacting his form and fitness for nearly two years.
- IPL 2024 Struggles: His dismal performance with LSG (38 runs in 7 innings) marked a low point, but his resilience and focus on fitness led to a strong comeback in 2025.
His work on diet, fitness, and mental preparation paid dividends in the 2023–24 season, where he dominated domestic cricket and earned a Test debut.
Playing Style and Strengths
Padikkal’s batting is a blend of elegance and aggression:
- Technique: Excels with front-foot drives and back-foot punches, with a wide array of shots.
- Physicality: At 6’3”, his height and strength make him a potent power-hitter, ideal for T20s.
- Temperament: Known for his calm demeanor, Padikkal builds innings methodically, making him a reliable anchor.
- Areas for Improvement: Experts like Brian Lara have suggested he needs to use his front foot more effectively to counter challenging bowling attacks.
Future Prospects
As of July 16, 2025, Padikkal is at a career crossroads:
- IPL 2025: His form with RCB (247 runs in 10 matches) positions him as a key player in their title chase. Continued performances could solidify his role as Kohli’s opening partner.
- Maharaja Trophy 2025: His signing with Hubli Tigers for INR 13.20 lakh signals a leadership role in Karnataka’s T20 league, with expectations of big runs.
- International Cricket: Despite limited international opportunities, his Test debut and domestic form keep him in contention for India’s squads, particularly in Tests and ODIs. Consistent IPL and domestic performances could lead to a T20I recall.
Personal Life and Endorsements
- Family: Resides with his parents and elder sister in Edappal, Kerala, in a modest home. He is unmarried.
- Education: Holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University of Business Management, Bengaluru.
- Cars: Owns a Kia Seltos and Toyota Fortuner.
- Endorsements: Has secured brand deals contributing to his INR 10 crore net worth, though specific brands are not publicly detailed.
Conclusion
Devdutt Padikkal’s 2025 has been a story of redemption and resurgence. From a challenging IPL 2024 with LSG to a triumphant return to RCB and a starring role in Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy win, the 25-year-old has re-established himself as a top-tier talent. His elegant batting, combined with newfound consistency, makes him a player to watch in the Maharaja Trophy, IPL 2025, and potentially India’s international setup. As he continues to evolve, Padikkal’s dream of winning an IPL trophy with RCB and cementing his place in India’s squad remains within reach.
For real-time updates on Devdutt Padikkal’s performances, follow ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, or the IPL’s official website. Stay tuned for his exploits in the Maharaja Trophy and beyond!