Devdutt Padikkal rewrites history in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Devdutt Padikkal etched his name into Vijay Hazare Trophy history on Monday, January 12, becoming the first batter to aggregate 700 runs in more than one season. His milestone came as Karnataka eliminated Mumbai to book a semifinal spot. While five players have crossed the 700-run mark in a single edition, Padikkal is now the only one to have done it twice.

Padikkal required 60 runs to reach the milestone in the 2025-26 season during the quarterfinal at BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru. He achieved it in the 24th over of Karnataka’s chase on the bowling of Shams Mulani, earning cheers from teammates and fans alike.

Karnataka moved into the semifinals after being declared winners by 55 runs under the VJD method. Rain and poor light brought the match to an early conclusion, with the hosts comfortably positioned at 187 for 1 in 33 overs while chasing Mumbai’s total of 255.

Padikkal remained not out on 81 from 95 balls, while Karun Nair held firm with 74 off 80 deliveries before the game was called off. Their unbeaten partnership kept Karnataka well above the required run rate, leaving the result beyond doubt.

Karnataka chose to field after winning the toss and restricted Mumbai to 254 for 8. Vidhyadhar Patil spearheaded the bowling attack with three wickets, supported by Vidwath Kaverappa and Abhilash Shetty, who claimed two wickets apiece.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ishan Mulchandani added 36 runs for the opening stand before Mulchandani was dismissed for 20, with Musheer Khan falling soon after for nine.

Raghuvanshi found it difficult to keep the scoring rate up and was eventually bowled by Vyshak for 27 off 50 balls. Hardik Tamore’s early departure for a single run left Mumbai in further trouble, at three wickets down for 57 in 15 overs.

Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani stitched together a crucial 76-run stand for Mumbai. Lad contributed 38 while Suryansh Shedge added 16. Patil wrapped up his three-wicket haul by dismissing Tanush Kotian, and Mulani eventually fell. Siraj Patil and Mohit Avasthi saw Mumbai through to 254/8.

In response, Karnataka’s innings began with Mayank Agarwal and Padikkal at the crease. Agarwal fell cheaply for 12, but Padikkal and Karun Nair steadied the innings with composed half-centuries, putting Karnataka in control before play was called off.