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Dinesh Karthik: Padikkal's Form Makes India Call Inevitable

Dinesh Karthik has heaped praise on Devdutt Padikkal following his composed half-century for RCB against CSK. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter stated that such consistent performances will make it very difficult to exclude Padikkal from the Indian national team. Karthik highlighted Padikkal's determination to build an innings patiently before accelerating. He also commended Tim David's powerful 70-run innings that propelled RCB to a formidable total of 250 runs.

Key Points: Karthik Hails Padikkal, Says India Call Difficult to Delay

  • Padikkal's match-winning 50 vs CSK
  • Karthik highlights his patience and leadership
  • Tim David praised for explosive 70
  • RCB posts mammoth 250/3
  • Padikkal's domestic form noted
3 min read

"If he continues batting like this, it will be difficult to keep him out of Indian team": Dinesh Karthik lauds Devdutt Padikkal

Dinesh Karthik lauds Devdutt Padikkal's IPL knock, says consistent performances will force Indian team selection. Also praises Tim David's power-hitting.

"If he continues batting like this, it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for long. - Dinesh Karthik"

Bengaluru, April 6

Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik has hailed batter Devdutt Padikkal's 50-run knock against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday and reckoned it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for long if he keeps batting like this.

RCB defeated CSK by 43 runs in their second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 tournament after posting a mammoth 250/3 in 20 overs.

Coming in after Virat Kohli's dismissal, Padikkal (50 off 29 balls) built a 56-run stand with Phil Salt and then added a quickfire 58-run partnership off just 21 balls with Rajat Patidar, setting the stage for RCB. From that platform, Tim David's explosive 70 off 25 balls powered the team to a daunting 250-run total.

Speaking on JioStar, Dinesh Karthik hailed Devdutt Padikkal's composed knock.

"If he continues batting like this, it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for long. He has scored heavily in domestic cricket and we know he's a quality player. What's also impressive is the way he's stepping up as a leader in the Karnataka dressing room. Even at 25, he contributes with his ideas and leadership, and that's great to see," he said.

Karthik praised Padikkal for his determination and patience, highlighting how he resisted the urge to play risky shots early on.

"The first thing that stands out is his determination. On a pitch like this, when runs don't come easily at the start, many batters try to force a big shot and end up giving their wicket away. Devdutt showed great courage to stay patient when the going was tough. Once he got that first boundary, you could see him switch gears. He's playing proper cricketing shots and hitting the ball with distance," he said

Dinesh Karthik also praised Tim David for his brilliant 70-run innings that included eight sixes.

"Tim David is an extremely gifted ball striker. He has a very smooth swing, long levers and all the ingredients required to hit big shots. For him, it's about ensuring those elements remain consistent in practice. Because he bats in the middle order, he often gets fewer balls in a match compared to top-order batters. So, in the nets, it's important that he faces enough deliveries and stays in a good rhythm. The rest of his game is already very strong. Over the last 12-18 months, he has been one of the most consistent batters in the world in this format," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love seeing young talent shine. But let's not get carried away with one IPL innings. The step up to international cricket is huge. He needs a full season of consistent performances like this.
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Vikram M
Absolutely brilliant innings! The way he paced it was masterful. Didn't panic after Kohli got out, built partnerships, and then accelerated. That's the sign of a mature batsman. The leadership qualities DK mentioned are the cherry on top. Future captain material for Karnataka, maybe even India someday.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, I think DK is being a bit too generous. Padikkal is good, but we have so many openers already. Gill, Jaiswal, Ruturaj... where does he fit? He needs to do this against top bowling attacks, not just in one match. Let him prove himself over the tournament.
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Priya S
So happy for Devdutt! 🥳 He worked so hard after that health scare last year. Coming back stronger shows his mental strength. His cover drives are a thing of beauty. Wishing him all the luck for the rest of the IPL!
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Michael C
The depth of batting talent in India is just insane. You have a player of this caliber waiting in the wings. Tim David was brutal too - 70 off 25 is just not fair for the bowlers! Great win for RCB.

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