Karun Nair Hits Fourth Consecutive Century, Leads Vidarbha to Vijay Hazare Trophy Semi-Finals

Karun Nair really demonstrated his skills in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by hitting his fourth century in a row, which helped Vidarbha win comfortably against Rajasthan by nine wickets, during the quarter-finals. This amazing performance took place at the Motibaug Cricket Ground in Vadodara. By doing this, Nair made it into the record books. Mr. Nair is now only the third player from India and the fifth in the world to achieve four consecutive centuries in List A cricket.

A Historic Innings

Vidarbha was trying to reach a very big goal of 292 runs that Rajasthan had put up. Their game started nicely with Yash Rathod and Dhruv Shorey working together right at the start. They obtained a strong partnership of 92 runs. When Rathod got out, Nair came in to bat at the third spot and started doing a great job right from the start. Shorey, who also contributed a hundred in 114 balls, was very helpful--but it was Nair who really held the innings together. Nair reached his century in just 77 balls, striking 11 boundaries and clearing the ropes three times. His blistering knock culminated in an explosive finish as he hammered 24 runs off just five deliveries against Khaleel Ahmed, including three fours and two towering sixes. Vidarbha completed the chase in just 43.3 overs, securing their place in the semi-finals with a commanding performance.

An Unstoppable Force

An Unstoppable For After Yash Rathod got out, Nair came in to bat at third position and began scoring runs immediately. Vidarbha was trying to reach a tough total of 292 runs that Rajasthan had put up. With Dhruv Shorey at his side, who knocked a hundred off 114 balls, Nair really led the team's effort to chase down the score. At the beginning, the team did well at first because Rathod and Shorey made a strong 92-run stand together. Chattisgarh, helping Vidarbha dominate their Group D fixtures and advance to the knockouts with an unblemished record.

Notably, Nair broke a world record during the league stage, achieving the highest aggregate runs in List A cricket without being dismissed. His consistent contributions have been instrumental in Vidarbha’s campaign, earning him widespread acclaim as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

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- 112*(108).
- 44*(52).
- 163*(107).
- 111*(103).
- 112(101).
- 122*(82) in Quarterfinal.

Captain Karun Nair has 664 Average in this Vijay Hazare Trophy & taking his team in Semifinal - KARUN NAIR, 2.0..!!!! 🥶🫡 pic.twitter.com/hdxcC7eNG1

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 12, 2025

Most consecutive List-A centuries

Joining the Elite Club

Nair hit four centuries in a row and has now become part of a very unique group of cricket players who've done the same thing in List A cricket. Before him, in India, the only ones to accomplish this were Devdutt Padikkal during the 2020-21 season and Narayan Jagadeesan in the 2022-23 season. And when it comes to scoring five centuries in one Vijay Hazare Trophy season, Jagadeesan is still the best by himself.

Also scoring four straight centuries in List A matches--but not in India, were Kumar Sangakkara from Sri Lanka and Alviro Petersen from South Africa.

With Vidarbha now in the semi-finals, Nair’s form will be pivotal as they aim to lift the coveted Vijay Hazare Trophy. His extraordinary achievements have already cemented his place as one of the premier batsmen in domestic cricket this season. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping that Nair’s purple patch continues, propelling Vidarbha to ultimate glory.

As Vidarbha’s captain and talisman, Nair’s performances have transcended the boundaries of individual excellence, serving as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a testament to the power of determination and skill. The cricketing world watches eagerly to see what the next chapter holds in his remarkable journey.

Padikkal Shines in Vijay Hazare Trophy with a Stunning Century

After not doing too well in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Devdutt Padikkal really showed what he's capable of in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Mr. Padikkal scored a fantastic century in the quarter-final against Baroda, marking a great comeback in domestic cricket. Starting the game with Mayank Agarwal for Karnataka, who was out of the game quickly scoring only six runs, Padikkal stepped up and led the charge in the match.

He formed a crucial partnership of 133 runs with Anis KV, who contributed 52 runs. Padikkal reached his century in 96 balls, finishing with a total of 102 runs off 99 deliveries, which included two sixes and 15 fours. His strike rate of 103.03 helped Karnataka set a solid foundation, and his performance was a highlight of the match.

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Padikkal's Consistency and Rise in List A Cricket

Padikkal just hit his ninth century in List A cricket and now he's obtained a total of 1,977 runs, averaging over 81. That's really wonderful. In 30 List A innings, he's managed to score 50 runs or more 20 times, showing he is a very trustworthy first position hitter. Even though he didn't do great in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his amazing plays in the Vijay Hazare Trophy show he's ready to take on more challenges.

With how well he has been performing in the domestic games, it looks like Padikkal's going to get some wonderful chances in Indian cricket soon.

🚨 HUNDRED BY DEVDUTT PADIKKAL IN THE QUARTER FINALS OF VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/oRFuzcxwCz

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2025

Conclusion: A Promising Future Ahead for Padikkal

After having a rough time in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Devdutt Padikkal turned things around with an amazing hundred in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This not only got him in form but also showed everyone he's really one of the brightest young stars India cricket might have. Mr. Padikkal did great against Baroda, showing he can do well again after a problem.

Padikkal's obtained an amazing List A record too, with a large amount of hundreds and a great batting average, making it clear he's quickly turning into a person who will help Indian cricket be great in the future. If he keeps going like this, he will surely get more opportunities to play in other countries, so we should all watch him closely to see what happens next.

Devdutt Padikkal Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal, who was part of the squad in the recently held Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, witnessed India losing the series 3-1. After the series, Padikkal decided to spend some days in Australia to relax and enjoy a holiday. During one of his outings, he visited a cricket store, where he had a heartwarming encounter with a young boy, which led to a touching moment.

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Padikkal noticed the boy excitedly searching for a new bat and cricket gear with his mother. The scene reminded him of his own childhood visits to cricket stores. Inspired by the memory, Padikkal decided to make the boy’s day even more special.

In a post on Instagram, Padikkal shared the story. He wrote, “Saw this little kid at the cricket store today with his mom, all excited, looking for a new bat and other gear. Reminded me of my childhood and how special these days at the store used to be. Offered to give him whatever he wanted on the day, hoping to make his day a little bit more special. Simple joys.”

Instagram story of Devdutt Padikkal 👌

- A great gesture, making young cricket fans happy. pic.twitter.com/rFOlcSJC1z

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 7, 2025

In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Devdutt Padikkal played in the first Test match in Perth, where India won. He replaced Shubman Gill at number 3 in the batting order due to Gill's injury. Although Padikkal was part of the team, he was benched for the next match in Adelaide when Gill returned. Padikkal did not get a chance to play in the next four matches.

In his first innings at Perth, Padikkal was out for a duck after facing 23 balls. However, in the second innings, he looked much better, scoring 25 runs before getting out. Padikkal made his Test debut on March 7, 2024, in Dharamsala against England during India's home series. In his debut innings, he impressed everyone by scoring 65 runs.

There is still no clarity about Skipper Rohit Sharma's plans to travel to Australia. His wife recently delivered a baby so it is expected that he will leave soon and the exact date is still to be known. Thus it is most likely that he will also miss the series opener and Pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no immediate plans to send Mohammed Shami to Australia.

Mohammed Shami makes a solid comeback to competitive cricket

The Team India Pacer Mohammed Shami made his return to competitive cricket almost after a year, he played a Ranji trophy game between Madhya Pradesh and Bengal in Indore. Pacer scalped four wickets in the first innings and three wickets in the second innings. Eventually, Bengal won the game by 11 runs. Meanwhile, Team Management suggests that Shami should play more domestic games before being included in the team again. This indicates that Shami might play for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, which starts in about a week.

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The India A Team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to return to India in the next 24 hours. However, Devdutt Padikkal will not accompany them as Team India Management has decided to retain the batter for the senior team, which will compete in the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia over the next 50 days.

This decision has to be taken due to injuries and the unavailability of two key players. Top Order batter Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the series opener as he fractured his thumb during a simulation match at WACA. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who stayed back in India for the birth of his second child is also unlikely to be available for the First Test. KL Rahul also had an injury concern after being hit on the elbow, however, some good news from the camp is that KL Rahul batted during the Three-Day match simulation at  WACA on Sunday (17 November).

Devdutt Padikkal showed some resilience against Australia A

Padikkal recorded scores of 36, 88, 26, and 1 in his four recent innings against the Australia A team. Although these performances might not normally earn him a place in the senior national team, the management thinks his experience and knowledge of Australian conditions make him a good choice as a backup batter. Padikkal has been featured in the only Test against England this year. He has featured in T20Is as well.

Lucknow Super Giants have made an introduction to their IPL stint with a bang by consecutively qualifying for playoffs two times. After the edition’s auction, we can see the squad’s management get a significant revamp for their coaching staff or add some emerging players.

Primarily, LSG have excellent depth and variety in their all-rounder section for IPL 2024. With the optimal mix of experience and emergent players, here is a list of the top four players from the Lucknow Super Giants team.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul has become the face of LSG’s performance thanks to his aggressive batting approach and captaincy. Despite a setback from injury last season, Rahul’s comeback promises to strengthen his team’s batting order. Rahul is in top form after a fantastic performance in the previous World Cup and is ready to continue his momentum in the IPL. With 4163 runs in 118 matches, his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when necessary makes him an essential asset for the Lucknow Super Giants.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran would put on the shoes of the team’s vice-captain position, replacing the prominent Indian all-rounder, Krunal Pandya. The Trinidadian wicketkeeper batter was recognised for his powerful batting and outstanding wicket-keeping abilities. He established himself as a critical character in the worldwide Twenty20 circuit. In his previous edition, he scored 358 runs, including two half-centuries, at an excellent strike rate of 172.94.

See also: IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Post Mini Auction

Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal, a swanky top-order left-handed batter, made a reshuffle from his previous squad, Rajasthan Royals and with a whooping sum of INR 7.75 Crore, he has entered his third IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. Ever since his 2020 debut, he has made 1520 runs off 57 matches, with an impressive strike of 125.4, including nine half-centuries and one century. It will be interesting to watch the batter from Karnataka team up with his fellow state-team batter and captain, KL Rahul, and how he starts his new IPL team stint with a bang.

Shamar Joseph

Shamar Joseph got off to an impeccable cricketing start following his unforgettable debut performance for the Caribbean team against Australia. He became a global sensation when, despite an injured foot, he took seven wickets in the final innings to lead the West Indies to a surprising eight-run victory at the Gabba in the second Test of a drawn series. As his performance implies, Shamar Joseph is no doubt a viable substitute for Mark Wood to contribute significantly to the LSG’s bowling assault and make his first IPL outing memorable.

In a remarkable display of talent and composure, Devdutt Padikkal announced his arrival on the Test scene with a brilliant half-century against England in the ongoing match. The official Twitter handle of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the exhilarating moment, capturing the essence of Padikkal’s impressive performance.

Padikkal’s promising debut is going to be remembered

Padikkal’s fifty comes at a crucial juncture in the match, further solidifying India’s dominance over the visiting English side. His elegant strokeplay and solid technique showcased his maturity beyond his years, as he calmly accumulated runs against a formidable English bowling attack.

The left-handed batsman’s innings was a blend of aggression and caution, as he navigated through the challenges posed by the English bowlers with finesse. His ability to find gaps in the field and rotate the strike efficiently kept the scoreboard ticking, providing valuable support to his teammates at the crease.

His performance against England feat top 5 half-century list

The top five batters have collectively delivered exceptional performances against England in the ongoing Test match. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill led the charge with impressive centuries, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Devdutt Padikkal contributed valuable half-centuries, marking the first instance of such a collective achievement against England in Tests. Their stellar batting display not only underscores the depth and talent within the Indian batting lineup but also signals a promising future for Indian cricket.

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Padikkal’s debut fifty not only reflects his individual brilliance but also underscores the depth and talent present in Indian cricket. His inclusion in the Test squad has been met with much anticipation, and his performance in today’s match only reinforces his potential as a future star for the Indian team.

As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Devdutt Padikkal as he continues to make significant contributions to India’s quest for victory against England. With his debut fifty serving as a testament to his skill and temperament, Padikkal has undoubtedly made a strong statement in his maiden Test appearance, setting the stage for a promising career ahead.

Aakash Chopra voiced doubts about Devdutt Padikkal’s effectiveness as an opener for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024. He suggested the potential inclusion of Quinton de Kock or Kyle Mayers as alternatives to partner with Padikkal. KL Rahul, the skipper of the Lucknow Super Giants, is expected to bat in the middle order in the forthcoming season. The franchise from Lucknow secured Padikkal from the Rajasthan Royals through a trade, relinquishing young pacer Avesh Khan to the Jaipur-based franchise.

Aakash Chopra Highlights Devdutt Padikkal’s Excellent Form

In a YouTube video he shared, Aakash Chopra deliberated on potential opening combinations for the Lucknow team in IPL 2024. While discussing Devdutt Padikkal’s inclusion in the absence of KL Rahul, Chopra expressed uncertainty regarding Padikkal’s performance.

“If KL Rahul had been opening, I would have considered Lucknow to have a very stable opening pair because you’d definitely expect 500 runs from there. However, with him not opening now, it’s uncertain. Quinton de Kock or Kyle Mayers, as they showed interest in playing Mayers last year,” Chopra remarked.

“If De Kock doesn’t open, Mayers is inconsistent, and alongside him will be Devdutt Padikkal, a new player in this slot after some time. He’s in great form, but it’s unclear which direction his performance will take,” he added.

Devdutt Padikkal commenced his IPL journey as an opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, with the Rajasthan Royals, he did not feature as an opener, as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler took charge at the top of the order in the lucrative league.

The cricketer hailing from Karnataka amassed 261 runs in 11 innings last season, averaging 26.10 with a strike rate of 130.50. Across his IPL career, the left-handed batsman has accumulated 1521 runs in 57 matches, holding an average of 27.65 and a strike rate of 125.39, with a highest score of 101.

Aakash Chopra Suggests Pat Cummins as Possible Captain

The former cricketer turned commentator highlighted a potential selection dilemma for the SunRisers Hyderabad regarding their opening partnership. He mentioned the options of Abhishek Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, and Travis Head.

“In Hyderabad, there could be a dilemma regarding the opening pair. Abhishek Sharma performed well last season, and Mayank Agarwal showed promise before departing. It’s uncertain if they will be chosen to open this year. Travis Head might also open, especially if Pat Cummins assumes the captaincy,” Chopra stated.

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Both Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma encountered challenges in their performances for SunRisers Hyderabad last season. Agarwal scored 270 runs in 10 innings at an average of 27.00, while Sharma managed 226 runs in 11 matches with an average of 20.55.

As per the reports, Devdutt Padikkal is set to make his Test match debut in the upcoming Test between India and England. Padikkal is likely to replace Rajat Patidar who has struggled in the series thus far.

Padikkal set for Test debut

Padikkal replaced KL Rahul after the latter had picked up an injury in the first Test in Hyderabad. Padikkal was added to the squad for the Third Test. Now reports are suggesting that he will be making his Test debut in Dharamsala. “Padikkal will make his debut in Dharamsala,” Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI source as saying. “Rahul is unlikely to be available and the team management wants to have a look at Padikkal as it is the last international fixture before the IPL.”

Devdutt Padikkal meanwhile has been in really good form in domestic red-ball cricket for the last few months. The Rajasthan Royals youngster has scored three centuries and a total of 556 runs at an average of 92.66 thus far. Overall, he has 2227 runs from 31 first-class games at an average of 44.54.

See also: IND vs ENG: 4th Test: How does Shubman Gill Dominate the Second Innings in the Series?

What happened to Rajat Patidar?

According to the report, the decision was taken by chief selector Ajit Agarkar after consultations with captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and other staff. If this happens Padikkal will become the fifth debutant in the series after Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep. While Sarfaraz Khan and Jurel have done well, Patidar has failed to prove his worth. Patidar scored 32, 9, 5, 0, 17, and 0 in his appearances in the Test between India and England.

India will take on England in Dharamsala for the fifth Test match of the series the hosts are leading 3-1.

Avesh Khan has reportedly been involved in a direct swap, heading to the Rajasthan Royals, while opening batter Devdutt Padikkal is set to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), according to a report on ESPNCricinfo. Although the trade was agreed upon by the franchises in the past week, final approval from the BCCI is expected this week.

The Lucknow Super Giants acquired Avesh Khan for INR 10 crore, while Devdutt Padikkal’s services were secured by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.75 crore. Both players were retained by their respective franchises.

For Padikkal, this move marks his third IPL franchise, having initially started with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Over two seasons with the Royals, he amassed 637 runs at an average of 23.59 and a strike rate of 125.88, with three fifties. Across his IPL career spanning 92 games, Padikkal has accumulated 2,768 runs, showcasing 17 fifties and three centuries.

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Similarly, Avesh Khan, representing his third IPL franchise, previously played for the Delhi Capitals (DC) and emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2021 with 24 scalps at an average of 18.75. In IPL 2022, he concluded as the highest wicket-taker for LSG. Currently part of India’s T20I squad for the home series against Australia, Avesh is known for his impactful performances.

This trade stands as the second ahead of IPL 2024, following Romario Shepherd’s transfer to Mumbai Indians (MI) from LSG. The deadline for franchises to announce their retention list is November 26, with the player auction scheduled for December 19 in Dubai.

The last few years have been really tough for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ever since they made a comeback in 2018, they have roped in some big names but the results achieved weren’t favorable on most occasions. But every new season gives an opportunity to start afresh and the Royals are ready to grab it with both hands. The RR squad for IPL 2022 looks highly competitive. The franchise has invested to have the optimum number of match-winners across departments. Not just the players, but the team has tried to rope in experts like Lasith Malinga to strengthen the core with their practical knowledge.

RR Players to look out for, after this IPL Mega Auction.

As the team gears up for a new season, let’s have a look for the players to watch out for:

Yuzvendra Chahal: Years after playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the ace Indian wrist-spinner is set to play for what would be his third team in the IPL. Chahal has purchased at a price of Rs 6.50 crore at the mega auctions. One of the leading Indian spinners of the format, Chahal has 247 wickets in T20s from 225 games. He has been in top form lately and his spell can be match-winning for the Royals.

Devdutt Padikkal: Another player who played a massive role in RCB’s upliftment in the past couple of seasons is Devdutt Padikkal. He has got less chance in Indian colors but IPL is a platform that has provided him with a special identity. The Karnataka batter has been a find of the league and consistency is the key to his success. On Indian pitches, he is almost impossible to be contained and once he starts hitting, he can toy with any bowler. And if records are concerned, he has 1829 runs from 54 games.

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Shimron Hetmyer: 31 IPL games and more than 500 runs at a strike rate of over 151 – this is what makes Hetmyer a favorite option to go within the final XI. Be it clearing the fence or taking the finishing the game successfully, the Caribbean young batter can do it all very easily. RR spent a whopping sum of Rs 8.50 crore. The franchise has shown faith in him and now it’s Hetmyer’s turn to prove them right.

Prasidh Krishna: Fans expected Kolkata Knight Riders to have Prasidh back in the auctions but RR snapped him away at a price of Rs 10 crore. The right-arm fast bowler is one of the players to have starred in the league before making an international debut. When it comes to death blowing, Prasidh will be there to do the job with perfection. And under Malinga’s guidance, he can turn himself into a lethal weapon.

Sanju Samson: This season, the focus will be on Sanju Samson due to two major reasons. First, it would be interesting to see how he leads a team full of top-performers and secondly, his own batting form. He featured in the recently-concluded T20Is against Sri Lanka at home as the Indian selectors showed faith in him. In return, Sanju didn’t disappoint either as he played some crucial cameos to ensure India’s win.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had also said that Sanju is in the team’s plan for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Australia later this year. In that case, he will be expected to talk louder with the bat to not only lead his team to newer heights but for his betterment after the tournament ends. Not just the players, but the team has tried to rope in experts like Lasith Malinga to strengthen the core with their practical knowledge.