**Devdutt Padikkal Completes 3,000 First-Class Runs with 7th Century Against Australia A**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 19, 2025, 01:59 PM*
Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal made a stunning return to the India A circuit with an impressive century against Australia A in Lucknow. The left-handed batsman resumed his innings on the fourth morning at an overnight score of 86 and quickly reached his hundred in just 120 balls. This marked Padikkal’s seventh First-Class (FC) century and helped him surpass the milestone of 3,000 runs in FC cricket.
### Solid Partnership with Dhruv Jurel Powers India A
Batting at number four, Padikkal forged a crucial partnership with India A’s wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. When Jurel joined him at the crease, India A were 222/4. The duo put together a formidable 228-run stand for the fifth wicket in response to Australia A’s first innings tally of 532/6 declared.
Despite the mounting pressure, Jurel counter-attacked brilliantly and scored a well-crafted century off just 114 balls. He ended his innings with 140 runs from 197 deliveries.
### Padikkal’s Impressive Knock
Padikkal made his innings count by scoring a commanding 150 runs from 281 balls, including 14 boundaries and a six. After Jurel’s dismissal, Padikkal added 41 runs with Tanush Kotian and another 29 runs alongside Harsh Dubey before he was finally dismissed by Corey Rocchiccioli.
At the time of Padikkal’s departure, India A’s score stood at 520/7. Rain subsequently stopped play with India A at 532/7.
### Milestone Achievement: 3,000 First-Class Runs
Playing in his 45th FC match, Padikkal has now amassed over 3,000 runs, totaling 3,038 at an impressive average of over 42. His record includes 7 centuries and 18 half-centuries. Of these, 90 runs have come in two Test matches representing Team India.
### Career Highlights and Return to Competitive Cricket
At just 25 years old, Padikkal has already established himself as a promising cricketer. This match marks only his second competitive outing since the 2025 Indian Premier League season with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Earlier this month, he made a comeback in First-Class cricket with a half-century and an unbeaten 16 runs in the Duleep Trophy semi-final in Bengaluru.
### International Stint: Test Debut and Challenges
Padikkal made his Test debut against England in Dharamsala last year, scoring a half-century. However, he played only one more Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener against Australia in Perth. After a disappointing duck in the first innings and 25 runs in the second, he was dropped for the rest of the tour.
He also missed India’s recent England tour in June, but this recent performance signals a positive resurgence in his career.
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Devdutt Padikkal’s fluent century against Australia A not only helped India A fight back strongly but also marked a significant milestone in his cricketing journey. Fans and selectors alike will be hopeful that this form translates into a sustained return to international cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/padikkal-gets-to-this-massive-fc-milestone-with-defiant-150/story