Double ton!! Devdutt Padikkal bats his way into India’s Test XI with Ranji Trophy domination
Published - 16 Feb 2026, 11:56 AM | Updated - 16 Feb 2026, 11:59 AM
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The Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season is nearing its end. As the semi-finals are being played. In the first semi-final of the domestic tournament, Karnataka is facing Uttarakhand, and in the second, Bengal is facing Jammu and Kashmir. Karnataka has been in sensational form in this season of the premier domestic tournament. They are looking like the favourites to win the competition.
After their announcement of new captain Devdutt Padikkal, they have approached the season differently. Karnataka announced its new captain in the middle of the season, replacing the experienced Mayank Agarwal. The decision was made back in January ahead of the last league game against Punjab. Devdutt Padikkal has been in sensational form this season, showcasing his talent in the red-ball format.
Devdutt Padikkal shines on a big occasion
The Karnataka captain rose on the occasion in the semi-final against Uttarakhand, scoring a brilliant double century in the game. He came into bat after Mayank Agarwal was dismissed with the score being 18 on the board. Padikkal and KL Rahul stitched a partnership of 278 runs for the second wicket, with the latter scoring 141 off 211 balls, hitting 11 fours and five sixes.
Devdutt Padikkal, who also converted his hundred with a brilliant double century. He has been dismissed on the score of 232 runs off 330 balls, hitting 29 fours and three sixes. Padikkal has been in good form since the last group against Punjab, where he scored 120 off 85 balls to help Karnataka chase 250 in 28 overs.
Devdutt Padikkal having a sensational season
A captain’s masterpiece! 🎨
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 16, 2026
Watch the moment Devdutt Padikkal brings up his maiden First-Class double ton 💯💯
He soaks in the applause as the dressing room rises to acknowledge a special knock 👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/SztwjvwUiI#RanjiTrophy @IDFCFIRSTBank @devdpd07 pic.twitter.com/0Qaa5DNU9z
Padikkal did not perform in the quarter-final; however, he has been excellent in the semi-final. Karnataka is currently 484/4, and looking to post a big first innings total. The Southpaw will be looking to make his way on the Indian side for the upcoming Test series in June against Afghanistan. He has already made his debut in whites for the Blues.
He has played two test matches for India, scoring one fifty, and has an average of 30.00 with the highest score being 65. Devdutt Padikkal, who does not often get a chance to play for the India Test team, will look to make his way into the playing XI after his sensational Ranji form.
KL Rahul and Paddikkal fall short of history
In the semi-final game, KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal almost created a record partnership for the second wicket, as they were left stranded by 20 runs. The highest second-wicket partnership for Karnataka in a Ranji match is 297, which was made back in 1984/85 by MR Srinivasaprasad and Gundappa Viswanath against Kerala. This 278-run partnership between Rahul and Padikkal is the third-highest.
However, the number he bats is No.4, and in that position, team India captain Shubman Gill bats; he can be either fitted in the No.3 position or can play in No.5 for the side. India has yet to announce their squad for the upcoming series, but he will surely be in the squad. But his participation in the XI will be a question.
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