Padikkal yearns for more success after breakthrough season

Karnataka might have had a roller-coaster cricket season (2019-20), but it found a consistent vein in the young Devdutt Padikkal. The 19-year-old held his own in a star-studded lineup, which at times included the likes of Manish Pandey, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.

Padikkal, a former member of the India U-19 squad, has grown as a person and player in the last six months. The left-handed, top order bat said, "I would pat my back for finishing as the highest run-getter in both the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments. Also, being the top scorer for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy meant a lot because at the beginning of the season, no one looked at me as the main player or the man to look to when the team is in a difficult situation. I felt that change this season."

In 31 matches across formats, in what was his first full-fledged domestic season, Padikkal scored 1,838 runs. The Edapal, Kerala born batsman said, "I've stood up on most occasions when the team wanted, and that's something I'm proud of."

Padikkal went about his job efficiently in limited-over games, pulling, cutting and stirring the charge, but his bat went cold on occasions in the Ranji Trophy. Although he was the best among the lot, he fell short in the business end of the season.

He said, "I could've done much better in Ranji Trophy. There were a lot of starts that I couldn't convert. There's always highs and lows in cricket. I've started to deal with that better now because I have runs to back me. I'm able to handle the two-three innings in which I'm not getting runs."

Padikkal, who looks up to southpaw Gautam Gambhir, while worshipping at the altar of tennis superstar Roger Federer, a walking, textbook on longevity, added, "The going is tough during those periods, but it's important that you stick to the process and continue to work hard."

He's come a long way from the shy boy in the dressing room, to the confident youngster, who opens the innings for one of the best domestic teams in the country. The teenager bounced back emphatically after an ordinary debut run. "Last season, I was dropped after the five games in which I got a few 50s," he said, having taken the blow on his chin. "I knew that I didn't live up to expectations. The 50s weren't enough. I had to convert them or play knocks that defined the match and helped the team. So, I felt that's something I wanted to improve on this year. I wanted to guide the team to wins and be the main man and that's what I did. It was satisfying. I was able to convert my thoughts and hopefully I can continue that journey."

While Padikkal has tried to present a balanced, battle-hardened front, at times, the teenager in him was hard to hide. When he was out on 60 against Hyderabad in a losing cause in the Vijay Hazare and dismissed on 99 against Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, tears flowed.

He said, "At that moment, it is very hard because I'm still learning. When you fall just short, those moments really hit you hard, especially if you are unable to win the game for the team."

"I cried a bit after the 99. It's a cruel number to get out on, after working so hard," he said, his eyes still mirroring the moment. "But that made me a better batsman. I learnt some valuable lessons. I have to be focused throughout. A momentary lapse of concentration and you are heading back to the dressing room."

While Padikkal learnt his lessons, he acknowledges that he's surrounded by a team which has offered him unconditional support. Even when India openers Rahul and Mayank returned to the side, barring the semifinals, his place in the batting line-up remained the same.

He said, "I learnt to deal with circumstances because of the team and the management. Everyone is very supportive and helped me get over the disappointment. It's very important that you have a team that believes in you and knows that eventually you will turn it around. For example, if I was moved around in the batting order, it wouldn't have been easy for me. So, it was really great that I was backed at my position because I wanted to take that responsibility."