Devdutt Padikkal Opens Up on His Toughest Phase Ahead of New Zealand Tests

Summary

Devdutt Padikkal, India’s No. 3 batsman, discussed the setbacks, illness and technical tweaks that have shaped his preparation for the upcoming two‑Test series against New Zealand. He reflected on a near‑double‑century for India A, a disappointing stint against Australia A, and the role of senior advice in his comeback.

Key Points from the Interview

• Recent innings: Scored 199 for India A against New Zealand A in Lincoln, dismissed *caught behind* in a close call.
• Preparation: Played a few red‑ball games at home, including India A vs Australia A, and is focusing on swing‑friendly adjustments for New Zealand’s windy conditions, especially Wellington.
• Technical focus: Working on playing the ball late, handling swing, and fine‑tuning minute aspects of his technique before the tour.
• Video analysis: Reviewed past New Zealand Tests (including the 2024 England series and the 2023 West Indies series) to understand pitch and weather patterns.
• Illness in 2022: Battled a prolonged health issue that kept him out for nearly two years; he describes it as the hardest period of his career.
• Mentorship: KL Rahul’s advice in Australia emphasized continual improvement and not resting on past achievements.
• Format juggling: Highlights the need to compartmentalise red‑ball and white‑ball cricket, noting that the two formats now demand specialised skill sets.
• Team competition: Views competition for the No. 3 slot, such as with Sai Sudharsan, as a motivating factor rather than a threat.
• Future outlook: Aims to translate his recent form into a solid Test debut in New Zealand, hoping the adjustments will help him cement a place in the senior side.

Practical Implications

• Selection: Padikkal’s performance and adaptability will be closely watched by the selectors ahead of the first Test in Wellington.
• Verification: Fans can confirm his statements by checking the official Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) press releases and the full interview published by *The Times of India*.
• Impact on team balance: If Padikkal adapts well, India may have a more stable top‑order option in overseas conditions, potentially influencing the batting order for the series.

--- *All information is drawn from Padikkal’s interview with *The Times of India* and match statistics publicly available as of November 2026.*