Devdutt Padikkal raised his hand for India’s Test No.3 spot with a scintillating century in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttarakhand in Lucknow. Padikkal came in at No. 3 on Day 1, reaching his 50 off 65 balls and remaining unbeaten on 148 off 236 deliveries, hitting 16 fours and 2 sixes. He combined with KL Rahul to form a massive 298-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Karnataka in complete control.
Also Read: WI vs NEP: Ruthless West Indies secure Super 8 berth, knocking out Nepal
Padikkal, traditionally an opener, has been increasingly slotted at No.3 for Karnataka in first-class cricket and his ability to build long innings has made him a strong contender for India’s Test middle order. With over 3,000 first-class runs at an average of over 40 and nine centuries, his domestic record is impressive.
At international level, he appeared in two Tests for India, scoring 90 runs in three innings, including a debut high of 65 against England at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala in 2024. At No. 3 in India, he scored 25 runs from two innings at an average of 12.50.
RAHUL ALSO SHINES IN HAPPINESS
Rahul also played a commanding innings for Karnataka in the semi-final, scoring 141 runs off 211 balls. He reached his fifty off 86 deliveries and brought up his century off 150 balls, showing patience and control. Rahul hit 11 fours and 5 sixes while anchoring the innings alongside Padikkal. He was eventually caught and bowled by the right-arm pacer Aditya Rawat.
Amid brilliant innings from Padikkal and Rahul, Karun Nair remained unbeaten on 37 as Karnataka closed Day 1 on 355 for two. After Mayank Agarwal’s early dismissal by Aditya Rawat, Padikkal and Rahul took control, combining composure and fluidity to keep the Uttarakhand bowlers under pressure and secure Karnataka’s commanding position.
Brief Scores (Stumps – Day 1)
Karnataka: 355/2 in 90 overs. Devdutt Padikkal (148*), KL Rahul (141); Aditya Rawat (2/73)
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 15, 2026