The excitement of the T20 World Cup 2026 is sweeping across India, but in the meantime, the final phase of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 is being played. Currently, the semifinal matches are underway, with the first match taking place between Karnataka and Uttarakhand in Lucknow. In the match, Karnataka strengthened their position by scoring over 600 runs in the first innings. The credit for this goes to captain Devdutt Padikkal, who played a double century on the second day of the match, scoring 232 runs off 330 balls.

Devdutt Padikkal had performed brilliantly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (India's premier List A cricket tournament) and carried that good form into the second phase of the Ranji Trophy. Padikkal played an unbeaten 120-run innings against Punjab but couldn't make much impact against Mumbai. However, he has now strengthened his team's position by scoring his first double century in his first-class career in the semifinals. Padikkal scored a century on the first day and returned unbeaten at 148 runs. On the second day, he played flawlessly and scored a double century.

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Devdutt Padikkal, who was appointed as Karnataka's captain in place of Mayank Agarwal, had a very good batting performance on the first day. Padikkal first completed his half-century in 65 balls. However, he then did not rush and comfortably progressed towards a century. He scored a three-figure score in 144 balls. After that, on the second day, he reached 150 in 245 balls and then succeeded in completing a double century in 288 balls.

Devdutt Padikkal's brilliant double century in the Ranji Trophy semi-final

Karnataka's captain hit 29 fours and three sixes in his innings. The way Devdutt Padikkal was playing, it seemed like he might score his first triple century, but then he got out. His wicket was taken by Uttarakhand's Lakshaya Rai Chande. However, Padikkal's innings helped the team reach a big score.

Watch the video of Devdutt Padikkal's double century:

DEVDUTT PADDIKAL IS HERE TO STAY 😍

- DOUBLE HUNDRED IN RANJI TROPHY SEMI FINAL AS CAPTAIN....!!! pic.twitter.com/HMq7gXM5Zx

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 16, 2026

Devdutt Padikkal has made a claim for a comeback to Team India with his first double century in a first-class career. Padikkal played his last Test in Perth during India's 2024-25 tour of Australia. After that, he was dropped from the team. Now it remains to be seen whether he will be selected for the Test against Afghanistan in June.