Devdutt Padikkal, once hailed as one of India’s most promising young batting talents, has recently experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From early IPL stardom to a challenging phase in his career, Padikkal’s journey reflects the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the resilience required to navigate its challenges.
Early Promise and IPL Stardom
Padikkal burst onto the scene with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2020 IPL season, earning the Emerging Player award after scoring 473 runs. His elegant stroke play and composure at the crease made him a fan favorite. He continued his form in the 2021 season, including a memorable unbeaten century against Rajasthan Royals.
A Dip in Form and IPL Setbacks
However, the subsequent seasons saw a decline in Padikkal’s performance. Playing for Rajasthan Royals and later Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he struggled to replicate his earlier success. In the 2024 IPL season, Padikkal managed only 38 runs in seven matches for LSG. This slump led to his release ahead of the 2025 IPL mega auction, where he initially went unsold despite a base price of ₹2 crore .
Domestic Resurgence and National Recognition
Undeterred, Padikkal returned to domestic cricket with renewed determination. Representing Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, he showcased his class by scoring a century in the quarter-finals against Baroda and a crucial 86 in the semi-finals against Haryana. These performances not only helped Karnataka reach the finals but also reaffirmed Padikkal’s prowess in the 50-over format CricTracker.
His domestic form caught the attention of national selectors. During India’s tour of Australia in late 2024, injuries to key players led to Padikkal being retained as a reserve batter for the Test series. He had already impressed in the unofficial Tests against Australia A, scoring 151 runs across four innings, including a resilient 88 in challenging conditions .
Return to RCB and IPL 2025 Prospects
Recognizing his resurgence, RCB reacquired Padikkal for ₹2 crore in the accelerated round of the IPL 2025 auction. With the team’s top order featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, Padikkal is expected to solidify the number three position, bringing stability and experience to the lineup .
Looking Ahead
Padikkal’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in professional sports. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and perform at the domestic level has reignited discussions about his potential role in India’s future squads, including the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 .
As the 2025 IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Padikkal to see if he can translate his domestic success to the grand stage once more. His story serves as an inspiration, highlighting that with determination and hard work, comebacks are always possible.
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