Devdutt Padikkal: Rising Again in 2025
The stylish southpaw is scripting a remarkable comeback in 2025. From injury setbacks and form slumps to big IPL knocks and domestic dominance, Devdutt Padikkal is once again a name buzzing across Indian cricket circles. Here’s a detailed look at his journey, performance, and what makes his current form special.
IPL 2025: The Return of a Run Machine
Power-Packed Performances in Red
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Back Where He Belongs: Rejoining Royal Challengers Bangalore has unlocked a fresh spark in Padikkal’s batting. His 61-run blitz vs Punjab Kings was a signature statement of his revived confidence and intent.
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Turning Heads:
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Brisk half-century in a crunch match vs Rajasthan Royals.
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High strike rate (~154) with elegant aggression.
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Consistent praise from RCB mentors including Dinesh Karthik and Malolan Rangarajan.
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Snapshot: IPL 2025 Stats
| Key Metric | Current Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 8–9 |
| Total Runs | ~230 |
| Strike Rate | ~154.36 |
| Half-Centuries | 2 |
| Coaching Praise | "Took the bull by the horn" – RCB staff |
Dominating Domestic Cricket Again
Consistency Across Formats
Padikkal’s purple patch isn’t limited to IPL. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he:
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Smashed 86 in the semi-finals.
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Scored over 2,000 runs with a phenomenal average (100+).
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Was pivotal in Karnataka’s deep run.
First-Class Fireworks
Following a successful Ranji campaign, Padikkal made his Test debut in Dharamsala and scored a composed 65 in tough conditions. He’s now preparing for the Duleep Trophy to further bolster his Test credentials.
More Than Just Form: A Shift in Mindset
From Struggles to Strength
Padikkal’s evolution isn’t just technical—it’s mental. Battling through a tough health phase (including stomach illness and COVID), he emerged with clarity and purpose. He now emphasizes:
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Enjoying the Game: “Nothing special, just enjoying my batting again.”
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Taking Ownership: “Once you accept you weren’t good enough… improvement starts.”
Love from Fans and the Cricketing Community
Reddit and social media platforms have been overflowing with support:
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“LORD DDP is back!”
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“This is the version of Padikkal we needed.”
His RCB performances have reignited fan loyalty and optimism for his long-term future in Indian cricket.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Padikkal?
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Post-Injury Comeback: After being replaced by Mayank Agarwal in May due to injury, fans hope to see him bounce back stronger in 2026.
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Test Cricket Dream: With a solid first outing in Tests, he’s likely to get more opportunities.
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Domestic Leadership: His consistent form makes him a future pillar in Karnataka’s leadership group.
Highlights from 2025
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IPL Turnaround: Strong strike rate and two half-centuries.
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Domestic Giant: Over 2,000 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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Test Debut: Scored 65 in Dharamsala against quality opposition.
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Mental Reboot: Focused on fun and self-accountability.
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Fan Favorite Again: Earned praise for grit and comeback.
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Next Goals: Fit return, Test spot, and IPL leadership.
Devdutt Padikkal 2025 Performance
| Aspect | Performance Summary |
|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | 230+ runs, strike rate over 150, two key fifties |
| Domestic Cricket | Massive scores in Vijay Hazare & Ranji Trophy |
| Test Debut | Strong 65-run innings, resilient comeback after illness |
| Mindset & Growth | Shift toward self-awareness, enjoyment, and accountability |
| Future Outlook | Eyeing more Test appearances and another big IPL season |
Conclusion: The Comeback Story India Needed
Devdutt Padikkal’s 2025 chapter is a masterclass in bouncing back. With courage, clarity, and form on his side, he's now more than just a promising talent—he's a key figure in India’s cricketing future. As fans await his next innings, one thing is certain: Padikkal is not done writing his story yet.
