Devdutt Padikkal, once a shining star in Indian cricket, found himself unsold in the IPL 2024 auction.
Despite a promising start to his career, Padikkal’s recent performances in the IPL, domestic cricket, and for the Indian team have raised questions about his form and adaptability.
Here’s a detailed analysis of his journey, current form, and the reasons behind his omission.
Devdutt Padikkal’s IPL Journey: From Promising Start to Decline
Devdutt Padikkal burst onto the IPL scene with a stellar debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2020, scoring 473 runs in 15 matches with an average of 31.53 and a strike rate of 124.80.
His consistent performances earned him the Emerging Player of the Year award.
The following year, he registered his maiden IPL century with an unbeaten 101 against Rajasthan Royals, continuing to shine as a top-order batter.
However, his form started to dip after he was acquired by Rajasthan Royals in 2022. Over two seasons with Rajasthan Royals, he managed 637 runs in 28 matches at a modest average of 24.11.
In 2024, he was traded to Lucknow Super Giants but endured a disastrous season, scoring just 38 runs at an average of 5.43, including two ducks. This poor showing significantly impacted his reputation as a dependable IPL player.
Indian Team Performances
Padikkal made his T20I debut for India in 2021 and was briefly included in the Test squad in 2024. His international stats include:
- T20I Matches: 2 games, 38 runs, average 19.00.
- Test Matches: 1 match, 65 runs, average 65.00 (scored in a single innings during India’s series against England in early 2024).
- ODI Matches: Yet to make his ODI debut.
While his Test performance showed promise, his limited opportunities in the T20I format and lack of ODI exposure have hindered his ability to establish himself as a regular in the Indian team.
Current Form: Struggles in the Australian Tour
Padikkal’s performance during the current Australian domestic tour has been underwhelming. Representing India A in unofficial matches, he failed to deliver impactful innings, with scores often below par for an opener.
His inability to adapt to challenging Australian conditions and tackle pace and bounce has further exposed technical flaws in his batting.
Some key concerns during the tour include:
- Shot Selection: Frequent dismissals due to poor shot execution.
- Inability to Anchor: Failure to play long innings or build partnerships under pressure.
These struggles on foreign soil have likely influenced IPL franchises, already wary of his declining IPL form, to pass on him during the auction.
Why Franchises Passed on Padikkal
- Poor Recent Form: His dismal IPL 2024 season (38 runs in multiple games) made him a liability rather than an asset.
- Limited Role Versatility: Modern T20 cricket demands adaptability across batting positions, a skill Devdutt Padikkal has yet to demonstrate.
- Fitness Concerns: His fitness levels and fielding ability have been questioned, especially in a format where athleticism is paramount.
- Competition: The IPL auction saw several younger and more versatile players enter the pool, further diminishing Padikkal’s value.
Career Stats Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 58 | 1260 | 24.23 | 122.36 | 101* |
| T20I | 2 | 38 | 19.00 | 100.00 | 29 |
| Test | 1 | 65 | 65.00 | – | 65 |
Lessons and the Road Ahead
Padikkal’s exclusion from the IPL 2024 auction should serve as a wake-up call. While he has undeniable talent, he must focus on:
- Revamping His Game: Address technical shortcomings, particularly against pace and spin.
- Building Form: Consistently score runs in domestic cricket to regain confidence.
- Improving Strike Rate: Modern T20 cricket demands quick scoring; Padikkal must adapt.
- Fitness and Fielding: Enhanced fitness can add value and improve his fielding performance.
Conclusion
Devdutt Padikkal’s unsold status in the IPL 2024 auction is a stark reminder of the high expectations and fierce competition in the league.
While his early career brilliance is undeniable, his recent performances have not lived up to the promise.
A renewed focus on improving his form, fitness, and adaptability could pave the way for a strong comeback, proving that setbacks are often the stepping stones to greater achievements.
Read more here- https://etfisgood.com/
