Padikkal will join the Duleep Trophy

The 24-year-old opener is eager to build on his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy and aims for continued success in the upcoming tournament. Having made his Test debut against England earlier this year, Padikkal will represent Team D when the Duleep Trophy begins on September 5.

"The Duleep Trophy is a crucial tournament," Padikkal stated in an interview with PTI. "Opportunities at the highest level are limited, so I need to keep` scoring runs." His confidence is bolstered by an outstanding Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 556 runs in just four matches, averaging over 93, which included three centuries.

Reflecting on his debut for India, Padikkal shared, "I felt ready going into that match. I truly believed I had earned my place. The experience of playing extensive domestic cricket and performing well in the Ranji Trophy gave me the assurance I needed."

The talented left-handed batsman is committed to replicating his past success while recognising the importance of continuous improvement. "Test cricket is a demanding format, and I must keep honing my skills," he added.

In addition, Padikkal works on enhancing his strike rate in limited-overs formats. "I’m aiming to adopt a more aggressive approach in T20 cricket, and I’m noticing improvements. It’s tough, but it requires a mental shift," he explained.

Padikkal has encountered challenges off the field, including a stomach condition that impacted his performance a few seasons ago. However, he has learned to manage it effectively and is focused on delivering his best on the field.

Currently, he is playing for the Gulbarga Mystics in the ongoing KSCA Maharaja Trophy T20 and is pleased with the team's progress. "We’ve played some excellent cricket, and our campaign has been strong," he commented, expressing optimism about their prospects as the tournament advances. "Having already qualified, we want to provide opportunities to everyone. We hope to have our full squad available for the knockouts, and we aim to put on a good show," he concluded.