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IPL 2026: Dinesh Karthik Says Devdutt Padikkal Hard to Ignore for Team India

Dinesh Karthik, RCB's batting coach, has heaped praise on Devdutt Padikkal's assured form, suggesting an India call-up is imminent. He highlighted Padikkal's determination on a tough pitch and his ability to accelerate with proper cricketing shots. Karthik also commended the 25-year-old's growing leadership qualities within the Karnataka team. Additionally, he praised Tim David's powerful ball-striking and consistency as a finisher for RCB.

Key Points: Karthik: Padikkal's Form Makes India Call Inevitable | IPL 2026

  • Padikkal's consecutive IPL fifties
  • Karthik highlights his patience and shot-making
  • Praise for his emerging leadership role
  • Tim David's explosive finishing also lauded
2 min read

IPL 2026: Will be difficult to keep Padikkal out of the Indian team for long, feels Karthik

RCB's Dinesh Karthik praises Devdutt Padikkal's determined batting and leadership, stating it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for long.

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

New Delhi, April 6

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik believes Devdutt Padikkal's ongoing form in the 2026 IPL has been so assured that it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for a long time.

Padikkal struck 50 off 29 balls - his second consecutive fifty of the season - and set the tone for RCB to post a daunting 250/3 against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, as they eventually won by 43 runs.

"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. 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," said Karthik on JioStar.

RCB were also helped by big-hitting batter Tim David, who smashed a ferocious 25-ball 70 not out against CSK, including hitting 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," added Karthik.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I'm happy for him, but let's not get carried away with just a couple of IPL knocks. The step up to international cricket is huge. Remember so many talents who faded? He needs a consistent full season before we talk about the national team.
R
Rohit P
As a Karnataka fan, we've seen his growth from the local leagues. His hunger is incredible. That innings against CSK was pure maturity. The selectors should give him a chance in the next T20 series, at least. Wasting such form is criminal.
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from Karthik. The point about leadership at 25 is key. India needs players who can think under pressure, not just hit. Padikkal seems to have that calm head. Hope he gets his well-deserved cap soon!
V
Vikram M
Yaar, the competition is insane though. Gill, Jaiswal, Ruturaj... where does he fit? It's a happy problem for Indian cricket, but tough for selectors. Maybe he should focus on being the rock for RCB and the rest will follow. All the best to him!
K
Karthik V
His comeback story is inspiring. He had health issues, lost form, but worked his way back silently. That shows real character. The Indian team needs fighters like him. DK, being a senior player, knows talent when he sees it. Trust his judgement.

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