Devdutt Padikkal Biography, Age, Height, Family, Career and Net Worth

Devdutt Padikkal is an Indian international cricketer known for his elegant left-handed batting, strong performances in domestic cricket and appearances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He rose to prominence during the 2020 IPL season, when he won the Emerging Player of the Season award after an impressive debut campaign.

Born in Kerala and raised in Bengaluru, Padikkal developed his cricketing skills through Karnataka’s domestic system before earning opportunities with India’s national team. His career has included important milestones in Test cricket, major domestic tournaments and the IPL, where he has represented several franchises.

Who Is Devdutt Padikkal?

Devdutt Babunu Padikkal is an Indian professional cricketer who plays as a left-handed top-order batter. He represents Karnataka in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League.

He became widely known during IPL 2020, when he scored 473 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and received the tournament’s Emerging Player of the Season award. His performances established him as one of India’s promising young batting talents.

Padikkal has also represented India in Test and Twenty20 International cricket. His first Test appearance came against England in March 2024, while his later performances against Sri Lanka in 2026 brought him renewed attention on the international stage.

Standing approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, he is known for his composed approach at the crease, strong timing and ability to score through the off side. He is also a part-time right-arm off-spin bowler.

Devdutt Padikkal Biography and Profile

Early Life and Family Background

Devdutt Padikkal was born on July 7, 2000, in Edappal, Kerala, India. He comes from a family with roots in Kerala, although much of his childhood and cricket development took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

His parents are Ambili Padikkal and Babunu Kunnath. His father played an important role in encouraging his interest in cricket and supporting his development as a young athlete.

The family moved from Kerala to Hyderabad before eventually settling in Bengaluru. His father believed that Bengaluru would offer better opportunities for Devdutt to develop his cricketing abilities, particularly because of the city’s established cricket culture and training facilities.

Padikkal began showing an interest in cricket at a young age. His family supported his ambitions, and he started receiving structured coaching while still a child.

At around 10 years old, he joined the Karnataka Institute of Cricket in Bengaluru. The move gave him access to professional coaching, regular practice and opportunities to compete against other talented young players.

His early development was shaped by discipline and consistent training. Rather than moving directly into professional cricket, he progressed through age-group competitions and gradually became known within Karnataka’s cricket system.

Although his international success has brought public attention to his family, Padikkal generally keeps his parents and private family affairs away from extensive media coverage.

Education and Cricket Training

Devdutt Padikkal completed his early education in Bengaluru. He attended Army Public School and later studied at St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School.

Alongside his academic responsibilities, he continued developing his cricketing skills. His training at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket gave him an opportunity to work on batting technique, fitness and match preparation.

He later attended St. Joseph’s College of Commerce in Bengaluru, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Balancing education with competitive cricket required careful planning, particularly as his domestic career began attracting attention.

His educational background gave him an academic qualification outside sport, while cricket remained his main professional ambition.

How Devdutt Padikkal Started His Cricket Career

Padikkal’s journey into competitive cricket began through age-group cricket in Karnataka. His performances in youth competitions helped him gain recognition among local coaches and selectors.

He represented Karnataka at junior levels and later played for India Under-19. His involvement in youth cricket gave him valuable experience against players from different regions and helped prepare him for senior domestic competition.

One of his early opportunities came through the Karnataka Premier League, where he represented Ballari Tuskers. His performances in the tournament helped bring him greater attention and introduced him to franchise-style cricket.

He eventually moved into Karnataka’s senior domestic setup. His progress was supported by consistent performances, particularly in limited-overs competitions where his left-handed batting became an important advantage.

By the time he entered the Indian Premier League, Padikkal had already developed a reputation as a technically sound batter with the ability to score quickly without relying entirely on power hitting.

Domestic Cricket Career

Devdutt Padikkal made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season. He gradually established himself in the team through consistent batting performances and became an important part of Karnataka’s domestic setup.

His breakthrough in limited-overs cricket came during the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic List A competition. Padikkal scored 609 runs in 11 matches, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. His performances demonstrated his ability to build innings and maintain a strong scoring rate.

He also made an impression in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 competition. His performances across different formats increased his reputation and helped him attract interest from IPL franchises.

The 2023–24 domestic season was particularly important for his career. Padikkal produced several major innings for Karnataka, including centuries in the Ranji Trophy, and his form helped bring him back into consideration for India’s national team.

During the 2025–26 season, he continued to produce substantial runs in domestic competitions. His performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy strengthened his position as one of Karnataka’s leading batters. He also took on greater responsibility when he became Karnataka’s captain during the Ranji Trophy campaign.

Karnataka reached the Ranji Trophy final under his leadership, although the team eventually lost to Jammu and Kashmir. The season nevertheless represented an important period in his development as both a batter and a leader.

Indian Premier League Career

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Breakthrough

Devdutt Padikkal’s IPL career began with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who signed him ahead of the 2019 season. He did not make his IPL debut that year, but the franchise retained him as part of its plans for the following campaign.

His opportunity arrived in IPL 2020, when he became one of Bengaluru’s most productive batters. Padikkal scored 473 runs in 15 matches, including five half-centuries. His performances earned him the Emerging Player of the Season award.

One of the most impressive aspects of his debut campaign was his ability to score consistently at the top of the batting order. He formed useful partnerships and helped provide the team with strong starts.

He continued with Bengaluru in the 2021 season. On April 22, 2021, he scored his maiden IPL century against Rajasthan Royals, finishing unbeaten on 101 from 52 deliveries. The innings helped Bengaluru secure a 10-wicket victory.

Rajasthan Royals

Ahead of the 2022 season, Rajasthan Royals signed Padikkal at the IPL auction for ₹7.75 crore. The move gave him an opportunity to play for another competitive franchise after two seasons with Bengaluru.

He featured for Rajasthan in the 2022 and 2023 editions. Although he produced useful contributions, he did not consistently reproduce the outstanding form of his first IPL season.

His time with Rajasthan also gave him experience in different batting positions. He was used in various roles depending on the team’s requirements and the composition of the batting lineup.

Lucknow Super Giants

In November 2023, Padikkal was traded to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2024 IPL season. The move was part of a player exchange involving Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow.

His 2024 campaign was difficult. He scored only 38 runs in seven innings and struggled to establish consistency. Lucknow released him after the season, leaving him available for the next auction.

Return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Padikkal returned to Royal Challengers Bengaluru after the franchise bought him for ₹2 crore at the 2025 IPL auction. His return brought him back to the team where he had first established himself as an IPL player.

The 2025 season was affected by a hamstring injury that prevented him from completing the campaign. Despite the setback, he remained part of the franchise’s plans.

He made a stronger contribution in IPL 2026, scoring 464 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 168.73. The campaign was his best IPL season in terms of runs and scoring rate since his debut year, and he played an important role as Bengaluru secured another IPL title.

His improvement in 2026 was significant because it demonstrated his ability to recover from earlier difficulties and produce results at the highest level of franchise T20 cricket.

International Cricket Career

India T20I Debut

Devdutt Padikkal received his first senior international call-up in 2021 when he was selected for India’s limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. He made his Twenty20 International debut on July 28, 2021, against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

He played two matches during the series, scoring 38 runs in total. Although his international T20 appearances were limited, the selection represented an important milestone after his impressive domestic and IPL performances.

He has not established himself as a regular member of India’s T20I side, but his performances in other formats have continued to attract attention from selectors.

Test Debut Against England

Padikkal made his Test debut against England on March 7, 2024, in the fifth match of the series at Dharamshala. He was brought into the team after injuries affected India’s batting options.

He made an encouraging start, scoring 65 runs in his first Test innings. His performance showed composure against a strong bowling attack and gave him an important introduction to international red-ball cricket.

He was later included in India’s squad for the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He played in the opening Test at Perth, where India secured a memorable victory, but did not feature in the remaining matches of the series.

Major Test Performances Against Sri Lanka in 2026

One of the biggest developments in Padikkal’s international career came during India’s 2026 Test tour of Sri Lanka. He received another opportunity in the team and delivered two significant centuries.

In the first Test at Galle in August 2026, Padikkal scored 167 runs, registering his maiden international century. The innings demonstrated his ability to convert a good start into a major score at Test level.

He followed it with another century in the second Test in Colombo, scoring 117 runs. Producing hundreds in consecutive Tests was an important achievement and strengthened his case for a regular place in India’s red-ball batting lineup.

By November 2026, he had played four Test matches, scoring 418 runs with a highest score of 167. His Test average stood at approximately 69.66, reflecting the impact of his two centuries.

Playing Style and Strengths

Devdutt Padikkal is a left-handed top-order batter whose game is built around timing, placement and the ability to build long innings. He is particularly effective when he can settle at the crease and establish a rhythm against the bowling attack.

His height gives him a good reach, while his technique allows him to play a variety of shots through the off side. He is also capable of scoring boundaries down the ground and using his reach to handle deliveries from fast bowlers.

In limited-overs cricket, Padikkal has shown that he can increase his scoring rate without abandoning his natural batting style. His 2026 IPL performance highlighted his growing confidence in attacking bowling during the middle overs and making productive use of scoring opportunities.

He can also bowl right-arm off-spin, although batting remains his primary role. His bowling is generally used as an additional option rather than as a regular specialist skill.

Records and Achievements

Padikkal’s career includes several important achievements in domestic and international cricket. His recognition as the IPL Emerging Player of the Season in 2020 remains one of his earliest major honours.

He scored 473 runs in that IPL campaign, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most promising young batters. His maiden IPL century in 2021 added another milestone to his record.

His 609 runs in the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy made him the competition’s leading run-scorer that season. He also represented India Under-19 and was part of the team that won the 2018 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup.

His 2026 Test centuries against Sri Lanka marked another major achievement. Scoring 167 and 117 in consecutive Tests demonstrated his potential in the longest format and helped establish him as a player capable of producing substantial international innings.

His achievements also include being part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title-winning squads in 2025 and 2026, although he was unable to complete the 2025 campaign because of injury.

Devdutt Padikkal’s Wife and Relationship Status

Devdutt Padikkal has kept his romantic life largely private. Unlike several high-profile cricketers who regularly share details about their relationships, he has not made extensive public statements about his dating life.

As of November 2026, there is no reliable public confirmation that Padikkal is married. Information about a wife or a confirmed long-term partner has not been established through dependable public announcements.

His professional career remains the main focus of his public appearances and interviews. He generally avoids discussing private relationships, so claims about his romantic status should be treated cautiously unless confirmed by him.

Does Devdutt Padikkal Have Children?

There is no publicly confirmed information indicating that Devdutt Padikkal has children. He has not announced becoming a father, and his public profile does not identify any children.

The cricketer maintains a relatively private personal life, concentrating most public attention on his performances for Karnataka, India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Devdutt Padikkal’s Net Worth and Sources of Income

Devdutt Padikkal’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed, and online estimates vary. It would therefore be misleading to present a specific figure as a confirmed measure of his wealth.

His main source of income is professional cricket. His contracts with the Indian Premier League, domestic cricket payments and earnings from representing India contribute to his financial position.

His IPL contracts have formed an important part of his career earnings. Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed him for ₹20 lakh ahead of the 2019 season, while Rajasthan Royals acquired him for ₹7.75 crore at the 2022 auction. Bengaluru later brought him back for ₹2 crore at the 2025 auction and retained him for the 2026 season.

International cricket also provides opportunities for earnings through match fees and relevant player contracts, depending on selection and eligibility. His performances for India in Test cricket have increased his profile as an international player.

Brand endorsements and commercial partnerships may provide additional income as his public recognition grows. However, the value of individual sponsorship agreements and his private investments has not been reliably disclosed.

Personal Life and Interests

Devdutt Padikkal is generally reserved when discussing his personal life. His public appearances and interviews tend to focus on cricket, training, team experiences and his ambitions as a professional athlete.

His move to Bengaluru during childhood played a major role in shaping his life. The city became the centre of his cricket development and provided access to coaching and competitive opportunities.

He has also experienced the pressures that come with professional sport, including injuries and changes in form. His hamstring injury during the 2025 IPL season interrupted his progress, but his subsequent performances demonstrated his determination to return to competitive cricket.

Padikkal’s career reflects the importance of domestic cricket in developing international players. His progression through Karnataka’s youth and senior teams gave him the experience needed to compete at the highest levels.

What Is Devdutt Padikkal Doing in 2026?

As of November 2026, Devdutt Padikkal is continuing his professional cricket career with Karnataka and Royal Challengers Bengaluru while remaining part of India’s international setup.

His 2026 campaign has been particularly productive. After scoring 464 runs in the IPL, he helped Bengaluru secure the title and strengthened his position as an important member of the franchise’s batting lineup.

He also produced two Test centuries against Sri Lanka in August, scoring 167 and 117. Those performances were among the most significant of his international career and increased attention on his potential as a regular Test batter.

His more recent domestic performances have also been encouraging. During India’s A tour of New Zealand, which ran from October 24 to November 10, 2026, Padikkal scored 326 runs in first-class matches. The series provided another opportunity to demonstrate his form in red-ball cricket.

His progress in 2026 suggests that he is entering an important stage of his career. With experience in the IPL, domestic competitions and international Test cricket, he will be looking to establish greater consistency and secure a lasting place in India’s batting lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Devdutt Padikkal

How old is Devdutt Padikkal?

Devdutt Padikkal is 26 years old as of November 2026. He was born on July 7, 2000, in Edappal, Kerala, India.

What is Devdutt Padikkal’s full name?

His full name is Devdutt Babunu Padikkal. He is professionally known as Devdutt Padikkal.

How tall is Devdutt Padikkal?

Devdutt Padikkal is approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall. His height and left-handed batting style are among the physical and technical characteristics associated with his game.

Which IPL team does Devdutt Padikkal play for?

He plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. He returned to the franchise ahead of the 2025 season after previously representing Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants.

When did Devdutt Padikkal make his international debut?

He made his T20 International debut against Sri Lanka on July 28, 2021. His Test debut came against England on March 7, 2024.

Is Devdutt Padikkal married?

There is no reliable public confirmation that Devdutt Padikkal is married as of November 2026. He keeps his romantic life private.

What is Devdutt Padikkal’s highest Test score?

His highest Test score is 167, which he made against Sri Lanka in August 2026. He also scored 117 in the following Test, recording centuries in consecutive matches.

What is Devdutt Padikkal’s net worth?

His exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. His professional cricket contracts, IPL earnings, match fees and potential endorsements are among his main sources of income.

Which award did Devdutt Padikkal win in IPL 2020?

He won the Emerging Player of the Season award in IPL 2020 after scoring 473 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The achievement helped establish him as one of India’s most promising young batters.