RCB batter’s red-hot form creates selection dilemma for India ahead of NZ series

An RCB star’s consecutive centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 have created a selection headache for India ahead of the ODI series vs New Zealand. Can selectors afford to leave him out?

Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli (Image Credit: Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 has seen many magnificent performances in the last four rounds, including centuries, half-centuries, and wicket hauls. But one player has taken the centre stage after the end of the fourth round, Devdutt Padikkal.

In four games, the left-handed batter has smashed three centuries, knocking at the doors of the Indian selectors ahead of the squad selection for the New Zealand series.

In four innings, he has scored 406 runs, at an average of 101.50. Overall, he has slammed 37 boundaries and 14 sixes, and his high score is 147. In the first match against Jharkhand, he bashed 147 off 118 balls, helping his team chase down a mammoth total of 419 runs.

Amidst the selection dillema, Padikkal's performance will create more confusion for the selectors as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan have also smashed centuries today. The quality of cricket has increased in the ongoing tournament, leading to number of players performing well. The tentative date for the squad selection is January 4.

Will selectorsconsider Devdutt Padikkal in ODI squad vs NZ?

The Indian selectors will most likely pick up the players who were in the ODI squad and played well for the team. There are many players including KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and others who scored well in the series. Interestingly, they have also performed in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 that BCCI with no option but to pick them for the ODI series.

In case of players like Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, and others who are in great form will have to wait for the correct time. The competition is too high in the squad and not everybody can get in until the players present in the squad don't perform. Meanwhile, their franchise owners and fans will be super excited since the players are in form with the IPL coming up in just three months.

Where to watch IND vs NZ matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the IND vs NZ matches from January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Former India bowler blames Test series loss against SA on Kohli-Rohit transition, makes eye-opening claim

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