File image by Devdutt Padikkal (center).©AFP
Left-handed Indian batsman Devdutt Padikkal is ahead of ODI great Virat Kohli among elite Indian cricketers in 50-over cricket. Padikkal boasts of incredible statistics that put him way ahead of Kohli, Rohit Sharma and other greats of the 50-over game. The 24-year-old, who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, boasts a remarkable List A (50-over cricket) batting average of 82.52, well ahead of any other Indian. What makes Padikkal’s record even more special is that he has already amassed over 2,000 List A runs at such a high average.
Padikkal has been in glorious form in India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The left-hander completed his seventh consecutive half-century in the tournament to take Karnataka to the final after beating Haryana. It’s a two-season streak.
In 31 List A innings, Padikkal has scored 2,063 runs and even boasts a healthy strikeout rate of over 91.
His ridiculous average is higher than Virat Kohli (57.05), Cheteshwar Pujara (57.01) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (56.80) in the list of Indian batsmen with the best List A average.
Legendary Australian all-rounder Michael Bevan boasts the highest List A batting average among players with 50-plus innings, and his 57.86 batting average is no match for Padikkal.
Padikkal made his Test debut in 2024, playing one Test at home to England and away to Australia. He made his T20I debut for India in 2021. But surprisingly, he is yet to be considered for ODI selection.
Given his stunning form, Padikkal could be part of the conversation about India’s ODI setup. However, he is not expected to be part of the squad for the Champions Trophy.
Padikkal was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a base price in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).
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