'Crucial for me to keep scoring runs' - Devdutt Padikkal hopes to secure India Test spot with strong Duleep Trophy 2024 performance

Devdutt Padikkal is looking forward to scoring big in the impending Duleep Trophy 2024 to secure a spot in the middle order in India's Test setup. The southpaw made his Test debut earlier this year in Dharamsala against England and scored a 103-ball 65 in the only chance he got with the bat. His elegant knock comprised 10 fours and one maximum.

The 24-year-old has been named in Team D in the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy, which gets underway on Thursday, September 5. He will play under Indian Premier League-winning captain Shreyas Iyer in the red-ball tournament. Padikkal had a sensational Ranji Trophy campaign last season as he amassed 556 runs in just four matches, averaging over 93, with three centuries. He looks forward to continuing his rich form in the Duleep Trophy to solidify his position in India's middle order.

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"Yes, the Duleep Trophy is a very important tournament. You don't get too many opportunities at the highest level, so it's crucial that I continue to score runs," Padikkal was quoted as saying by India Today.

"Going into that game, I felt ready. I felt like I had earned that spot. Playing a lot of domestic cricket and scoring heavily in the Ranji Trophy gave me the confidence to perform," the Edapal-born said while reminiscing about his red-ball debut for the national team.

“Test cricket is a challenging format, and I need to keep focusing on areas where I can improve," the Karnataka batter said.

Trying to adopt a more aggressive mindset in T20 cricket: Devdutt Padikkal

Padikkal is currently plying his trade in the ongoing Maharaja Trophy 2024 in Bengaluru. He is representing Gulbarga Mystics in the T20 tournament. Padikkal said that he is trying to play the shortest format of the game with a much more attacking approach than before and seeing positive results.

"I’ve been trying to adopt a more aggressive mindset in T20 cricket, and I’m seeing progress. It’s challenging, but it’s about making a mental shift,” he explained.

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In nine matches so far in the Maharaja Trophy, Padikkal has scored 240 runs at an average of 26.66 and a strike rate of 138.72. The Mystics have qualified for the knockouts and the stylish left-handed batter will want to produce some excellent performances with the willow in the business end of the season.