Devdutt Padikkal has revealed the darkest chapter of his career. There was a time when he almost felt like his time in professional cricket had come to an end after a prolonged illness that kept him out of the game for nearly two years. The Karnataka left-hander described the period that began in 2022 as the toughest phase of his life so far. However, the player has now recalled his fighting spirit as he stunned everyone with an outstanding innings of 199 runs for India A against New Zealand A in Lincoln. 

Devdutt Padikkal opens up on serious illness battle ahead of New Zealand Tests: ‘Thought my cricketing career was over’

Speaking ahead of India’s two-Test series against New Zealand, Padikkal, as quoted by The Times of India, said:

“I thought this was probably going to be the end of my cricketing career.”

 Padikkal added:

“When you’re out of cricket in India for a period that long, even if you miss one season, it feels like everyone else is miles ahead of you. To not be at my best for close to two years definitely felt that way.”

The batter continued by saying:

“It definitely felt like I was not going to be able to get over this.”

The illness, which Padikkal said lasted close to two years, left him battling not only physical setbacks but also significant self-doubt. He explained:

“That was definitely the most difficult part of my life so far. It felt like things were against me.”

In the highly competitive Indian domestic and international system, long absences can quickly sideline even talented players. Missing consecutive seasons made the climb back appear almost impossible at times. Padikkal expressed deep gratitude to the medical team, nutritionists and support staff who helped him recover. He, as per the aforementioned source, said:

“I’m really grateful and thankful to all the people who helped me through that phase: the doctors, the nutritionists and everyone who got me back to a stage where I could perform at the highest level again.”

The 26-year-old has since rebuilt his form and confidence. Recent performances in India A matches have underlined his recovery and motivation after the days when he felt his cricket career was almost done. Against New Zealand A in Lincoln, he almost scored a double century, falling just one run short in a match that ended in a draw due to bad light. That innings served as a timely reminder of his ability to occupy the crease for long periods and score heavily when in rhythm. He also featured in India A games against Australia A, using the red-ball exposure to fine-tune his game.

Devdutt Padikkal's career has been a roller-coaster

Padikkal’s Test career has itself been a roller-coaster. He has spoken candidly about feeling underprepared for his debut in Perth, both technically and mentally. The experience forced him to reassess and evolve. Advice from senior player KL Rahul on the need for continuous improvement has stayed with him. Competition for middle-order places remains intense, with players such as Sai Sudharsan also pushing for selection. Padikkal views the rivalry as motivation rather than pressure. He has maintained consistency in List A cricket and with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, carefully compartmentalising his approach across formats.

Preparation for the New Zealand series has been methodical. Padikkal has trained at home and focused on the specific challenges of New Zealand conditions, including dealing with the wind in Wellington and the movement that swing bowlers can generate. Missing the England tour last year was a disappointment, yet Padikkal now sees subsequent opportunities as validation of his recovery. His journey from near career-ending illness to once again being in contention for national selection illustrates both the fragility and resilience required at the highest level of Indian cricket.

As the Indian team prepares for the two-Test series against New Zealand, Padikkal’s story offers a powerful narrative of perseverance. Having stared at the possibility of never playing again, he is now focused on contributing whenever the chance arises. The coming weeks will reveal whether the hard-fought return translates into further opportunities in the Test side, but his honesty about the struggle has already resonated with fans and fellow players alike. 

Padikkal’s willingness to discuss the mental and physical toll of long-term absence adds an important human dimension to the usual build-up surrounding international series. In a sport that demands constant performance, his account serves as a reminder that even highly rated talents can face periods when the future looks bleak. For now, the left-hander is simply grateful to be back, training hard and ready for the challenges that New Zealand’s pitches and attack will present.