In the opening match of the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy in Hubballi on Saturday, January 6, Devdutt Padikkal displayed his batting prowess against Punjab by scoring a career-best first-class innings of 193 in 216 balls with 24 fours and four sixes.
It was a remarkable performance that not only put Karnataka in a commanding position but also erased Devdutt Padikkal bad memories from the previous season. He had repeated medical appointments last year after missing the first four matches because of an intestinal problem. Devdutt Padikkal expressed his aggravation about the setback and claimed that the prior phase had been the most difficult overall.
“More than anything, that time was quite frustrating. According to The Hindu, Devdutt Padikkal stated following the day’s play, “I knew that I was batting pretty well before that, and it just so happened that I wasn’t able to contribute to my side.”
Devdutt Padikkal emphasized his intention to support the team this year with the goal of winning, determined to atone for his past transgressions. He thought back to how happy he was to have played a major role in giving his team the lead in the current game.
“I want to make sure that I support my team and attempt to win games for them this year. I was more relieved that I could provide my squad with a strong position,” he continued.
Playing overhead shots proved difficult on this wicket. Devdutt Padikkal
The way Devdutt Padikkal scored his runs is what elevates his innings even further. He had a career red-ball strike rate of 53.35, but in this inning he struck at an astonishing 89.35 while playing risk-free cricket. Remarkably, he didn’t get his first six until after he scored more than 140. Considering the difficult circumstances, Padikkal stated,
Playing soaring shots was difficult on that particular wicket. But after I calmed down, I gained the courage to cross the line.”
In addition to acknowledging that achieving a century in the most prestigious domestic competition in India is no small effort, Devdutt Padikkal said that every Ranji Trophy hundred has a particular place in his heart.
Every hundred Ranji [Trophy] is unique in my eyes. The journey [toward] a hundred is difficult no matter what. In the 90s and 190s, I experienced some anxiety. However, it was a unique one,” he said.
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