Karnataka opener Devdutt Padikkal has been one of the standout performers of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, piling on more than 600 runs and stamping his authority as one of India’s most consistent List A batters in recent seasons. Yet, despite his prolific returns in the 50-over format, a call-up to India’s ODI squad continues to remain out of reach. In a country where white-ball depth is arguably the strongest it has ever been, even sustained excellence does not guarantee immediate national selection.

Instead of letting frustration creep in, Devdutt Padikkal has adopted a refreshingly mature outlook on the selection process. The 25-year-old understands the realities of Indian cricket, where competition for top-order spots is relentless, and believes patience is as important as performance for players aspiring to break into the international setup.

“I wouldn’t say it was disappointing. Of course, you look at the selection and see what comes out of it, but at the same time, you understand how many batters are in the mix and how well everyone is doing,” Devdutt Padikkal told The Indian Express. “It’s not easy to push your way into the one-day side. As cricketers, you have to make peace with that and focus on doing your job—keep scoring runs.”

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Padikkal’s cricketing education was built around the traditional values of Test cricket, with an emphasis on technique, patience and time at the crease. However, the rise of T20 cricket—and his exposure to the Indian Premier League—forced him to rethink and remodel his approach. Adapting from a classical left-hander to a batter capable of scoring at high strike rates was a challenge, but one that Padikkal embraced with intent and discipline.

“Growing up, my game was moulded around wanting to play Test cricket. Adjusting to the demands of modern T20 cricket was definitely a challenge,” he admitted.

That transition, however, was made smoother by the guidance he received during his stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Devdutt Padikkal credits Dinesh Karthik and Andy Flower for helping him understand how to maximise his strengths without losing his core batting identity.

Devdutt Padikkal the madman of domestic cricket 🔥

Today He scored 91 (82) vs Rajastan

147 – Jharkhand
124 – Kerala
22 – Tamilnadu
113 – Puducherry
108 – Tripura
91 vs Raj

He scored 605 runs in just 6 innings.
He deserves the chance in Indian odi team🫡pic.twitter.com/ncLAsAy34J

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) January 6, 2026

“The credit goes to DK and Andy. They really helped me understand how to adapt my game in T20s. Earlier, because I was used to playing mainly in the powerplay, I didn’t think much about the middle phase between overs 7 and 14,” he explained.

Interestingly, Devdutt Padikkal believes that one-day cricket is where his game finds its most natural rhythm. Unlike T20S, which demands immediate impact, the 50-over format allows him to build an innings, manage tempo and shift gears when required. He feels he discovered this balance early in his List A career, and it has played a key role in his consistency.

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“In one-dayers, it’s all about tempo and pattern. I understood that quite early, and it’s helped me build innings better,” Devdutt Padikkal said. His approach is simple yet effective—respect the new ball, absorb early pressure, and then gradually turn the tables on the bowlers. Whether setting a target or chasing one, Padikkal adapts to match situations with clarity and calm.

With runs flowing freely and his mindset firmly grounded, Padikkal continues to make a compelling case through performances. While national selection may take time, his consistency, adaptability and patience suggest it is only a matter of when—not if.