Devdutt Padikkal continues to enjoy a dream run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, delivering yet another standout performance to underline his rich vein of form. The Karnataka opener has amassed a staggering 721 runs in just eight matches, averaging an extraordinary 103, making him one of the most consistent batters of the tournament.
Padikkal added another feather to his cap during Karnataka’s rain-affected quarter-final against Mumbai, where he remained unbeaten on 81 off 95 balls, laced with 11 boundaries. That knock took him past the 700-run mark for the season, making the 25-year-old the first player in Vijay Hazare Trophy history to score over 700 runs in a single season on two separate occasions.
So far, only a handful of elite batters — Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Narayan Jagadeesan and Karun Nair — have managed 700-plus runs in a single Vijay Hazare Trophy season, but Padikkal now stands alone with this achievement twice.
Karnataka Cruise Past Mumbai in Rain-Hit Quarter-Final
Karnataka booked their place in the semi-finals after registering a 55-run victory over Mumbai via the VJD method. Chasing a revised target of 255, Karnataka were firmly in control at 187/1 in 33 overs when rain and bad light forced an early end to proceedings. With the required rate well under control, the match was awarded to Karnataka.
Padikkal narrowly missed out on a century but was well supported by Karun Nair, who played a fluent knock of 74 not out off 80 balls, also smashing 11 boundaries. The duo’s unbeaten partnership ensured Karnataka never looked under pressure during the chase.
The only wicket to fall was that of captain Mayank Agarwal, who was dismissed for 12 by Mohit Avasthi.
Clinical Bowling Effort Sets Up the Win
Earlier in the day, Karnataka’s bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined and incisive performance. After winning the toss and opting to field at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Karnataka’s pace attack rattled Mumbai’s top order.
Vidyadhar Patil led the charge with figures of 3/42 in 10 overs, reducing Mumbai to 60/4 within 18 overs. He removed openers Ishan Mulchandani and the in-form Musheer Khan, setting the tone early. Vidhwath Kaverappa (2/43) and Vyshak Vijaykumar also chipped in, dismissing Hardik Tamore and Angkrish Raghuvanshi respectively.
Mumbai attempted a recovery through Shams Mulani (86) and skipper Siddhesh Lad (38), who stitched together a crucial 76-run stand. However, Abhilash Shetty (2/59) broke the partnership, pushing Mumbai into further trouble at 136/5.
Despite Mulani holding one end, lack of support from the middle and lower order hurt Mumbai. A late 52-run partnership between Mulani and Sairaj Patil (33) helped Mumbai reach 254/8 in 50 overs, but it proved insufficient against Karnataka’s dominant all-round display.
Road to the Quarter-Final
Karnataka entered the knockout clash after suffering a seven-wicket defeat to Madhya Pradesh in their final Group A game, while Mumbai came off a heartbreaking one-run loss to Punjab in Group C. Despite contrasting momentum, Karnataka rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
With Padikkal in red-hot form and the bowling unit firing in unison, Karnataka now look well-placed as they head into the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals.