Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Devdutt Padikkal scripts history, becomes first player to achieve phenomenal feat

Devdutt Padikkal continued his purple run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 by scripting history and registering his name into record books. The Karnataka opener became the first batter to score over 700 runs in a single Vijay Hazare Trophy season on two separate occasions.

Padikkal has been in sublime form throughout the ongoing season. In eight matches, the 25-year-old has scored 721 runs at an average of over 100. While several batters such as Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Narayan Jagadeesan, and Karun Nair have crossed the 700-run mark once in a season, Padikkal now stands alone as the only player to achieve the feat twice. His latest milestone came during Karnataka’s quarter-final clash against Mumbai.

The southpaw entered the quarter-final needing 60 runs to breach the 700-run mark for the season, and he reached the feat in the 24th over of Karnataka’s chase. His unbeaten 81 off 95 balls not only sealed his record but also earned him the Player of the Match award.

Earlier in the contest, Karnataka opted to field first. Mumbai were restricted to 254 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Vidyadhar Patil leading the attack with figures of 3/42. Vidwath Kaverappa and Abhilash Shetty chipped in with two wickets each. Mumbai struggled after a solid start, losing four wickets within the first 18 overs. Shams Mulani scored a fighting 86 off 91 balls, receiving some support from skipper Siddhesh Lad, who scored 38.

In reply, Karnataka lost skipper Mayank Agarwal early for 12, but Padikkal and Karun Nair ensured there were no further hiccups. The duo stitched together an unbroken partnership. Padikkal smashed 11 boundaries, while Nair added 74 off 80 balls. Rain and bad light halted play with Karnataka cruising at 187/1 in 33 overs, comfortably ahead of the required rate, leading to a 55-run victory via the VJD method.