Full Name: Devdutt Babunu Padikkal
Nickname: Dev
Date of Birth: 7 July 2000
Age: 25 Years (as of 2026)
Birthplace: Edappal, Malappuram district, Kerala, India
Hometown: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Profession: Professional Indian Cricketer (Opening Batter)
Years Active: 2018 – Present
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Cast: Nair (Padikkal family name via matrilineal succession)
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Height: 6’3” (191 cm)
Weight: 75 kg (Approx.)
Eye Color: Black
Hair Color: Black
Body Measurements: Chest: 40 Inches, Waist: 32 Inches, Biceps: 14 Inches
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian (Prefers healthy high-protein diets)
Hobbies: Watching Football, Traveling, Music, Gym Training
Tattoos: No prominent public tattoos
Batting Style: Left-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
Father’s Name: Babunu Kunnath (Businessman & Cricket Enthusiast)
Mother’s Name: Ambili Balan Padikkal
Siblings: Chandni Padikkal (Elder Sister - Lawyer)
Marital Status: Unmarried
Spouse: N/A
Children: N/A
Affairs / Relationships: Currently Single / No public information available
Instagram ID: @devpadikkal19
Instagram Followers: 1.5 Million+
Twitter (X): @devdpd07
Facebook: Devdutt Padikkal (Official Page)
YouTube Channel: N/A (Appears on RCB and BCCI channels)
Other Platforms: Threads, Snapchat
Introduction
Devdutt Padikkal is a sensation in Indian cricket, widely recognized for his elegant left-handed batting and tall stature. A mainstay for the Karnataka domestic team and a high-value asset in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Padikkal has quickly ascended the ranks to represent the Indian National Team in both T20Is and Test matches. His playing style, often compared to the grace of legendary southpaws, combines traditional timing with modern-day power hitting.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he provides a unique advantage at the top of the order, allowing him to dominate pace bowlers with ease. Despite facing significant health challenges early in his career, his resilience has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers across the country. He continues to be a central figure in the plans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2026 season.
Early Life & Childhood
Devdutt Padikkal was born on July 7, 2000, in Edappal, Kerala. However, his cricketing journey truly began when his family recognized his immense potential and moved to Bengaluru in 2011. This move was pivotal, as it allowed him to enroll in the prestigious Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC) under the tutelage of coach Irfan Sait.
Interestingly, Padikkal started his journey as an off-spinner before his coaches and father noticed his natural flair for batting. His childhood was marked by intense discipline; he would travel long distances across Bengaluru to balance his training and school. His father, Babunu Kunnath, played a massive role as his first "manager," ensuring that the young talent remained focused on his dream of wearing the Blue Jersey.
Education Qualification
While cricket was always the priority, Devdutt remained committed to his studies, proving that professional sports and academics can coexist. He attended the Army Public School in Bengaluru before moving to St. Joseph's Boys' High School—the same alma mater as Indian legend Rahul Dravid.
He later pursued higher education at St. Joseph's University of Business Management in Bengaluru, where he completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA). His teachers often described him as a quiet but focused student who was exceptionally organized with his notes, even while traveling for tournaments.
Career Journey
Padikkal's professional career took off when he made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season. However, it was the 2019–20 domestic season that catapulted him to fame. He became the highest run-scorer in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A), a feat rarely achieved by such a young player.
His IPL journey began with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019, though he had to wait until 2020 to make his debut. Since then, he has represented Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants before making a high-profile "homecoming" to RCB in the 2025/2026 cycle. In the 2026 IPL season, he continues to be a key opening pillar for the franchise.
Breakthrough Moment
The ultimate breakthrough for Padikkal came during the 2020 IPL season held in the UAE. Playing for RCB, he became the first player in IPL history to score three half-centuries in his first four matches. He finished the season as the team’s highest run-scorer, even surpassing legends like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
This performance earned him the "Emerging Player of the Award" and led to his international T20I debut against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Another major milestone was his Test debut in March 2024 against England in Dharamsala, where he scored a fluent 65 runs, proving his mettle in the longest format of the game.
Major Works & Projects
Devdutt's career is highlighted by several "Big Scores." His maiden IPL century (101* against Rajasthan Royals in 2021) remains one of the cleanest hitting displays seen in the tournament. In domestic cricket, his 232-run knock against Uttarakhand in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season reminded selectors of his appetite for big double-centuries.
Beyond the field, Devdutt has been involved in several fitness and tech-related brand campaigns. He has worked closely with SS (Sunridges) for his cricketing gear and has been the face of Puma's sports-style category in India, alongside other stars like Abhinandan Singh.
Awards & Achievements
- IPL Emerging Player of the Year (2020): Awarded for his 473 runs in his debut season.
- Vijay Hazare Trophy Top Scorer (2019-20): 609 runs in 11 matches.
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Top Scorer (2019-20): 580 runs in 12 matches.
- Maiden Test Half-Century: Scored on debut against England (2024).
- Most Expensive Player (Maharaja Trophy 2025): Bought for Rs 13.20 lakh by Hubli Tigers.
Income, Fees & Net Worth
As of 2026, Devdutt Padikkal’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹22 Crore to ₹25 Crore. A significant portion of this comes from his IPL contracts. After being bought for ₹7.75 Crore in previous seasons, he was recently re-acquired by RCB for ₹2 Crore in the 2025/2026 auction cycle.
In addition to his IPL salary, he earns roughly ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per day for Ranji Trophy matches and has a lucrative Grade C contract with the BCCI. His brand endorsement portfolio including Puma, Vivo, and Eatfit adds an estimated ₹1.5 - 2 Crore annually to his income.
Lifestyle, Assets & Cars
Despite his wealth, Devdutt is known for a very grounded and "low-key" lifestyle. He currently resides in a luxury apartment in Bengaluru with his parents, though he also owns a traditional family home in Edappal, Kerala.
Unlike many of his peers who opt for supercars, Padikkal prefers practical luxury. His car collection includes a Toyota Fortuner and a Kia Seltos. He is a massive fan of European football and is a loyal supporter of Manchester United; he often spends his off-season traveling to the UK to watch matches at Old Trafford.
Controversies & Criticism
Devdutt has maintained a clean public image, staying away from typical "bad boy" controversies. Most of the "criticism" he has faced has been related to his strike rate in the middle overs during his time with Rajasthan Royals. However, he handled this by reinventing his game in the 2025 domestic season, showing a much more aggressive intent that silenced his critics.
Lesser Known Facts
- Matrilineal Name: The name "Padikkal" comes from his mother's side, following a traditional Kerala custom.
- Health Battle: Devdutt suffered from a chronic stomach illness (intestinal issues) between 2022 and 2023, which caused him to lose significant weight and strength. His comeback to the Indian Test team is considered a medical and athletic miracle.
- The Dravid Connection: Not only did he go to the same school as Rahul Dravid, but Dravid also mentored him during his stint at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
- Introvert Nature: He was extremely shy in his early teens. He credits the "IPL Bio-bubbles" for forcing him to interact more with teammates and come out of his shell.
- Movie Buff: He is a fan of Hollywood action movies, with Logan and The Expendables being his favorites.
Public Image & Fan Following
Known as the "Silent Assassin" of the Karnataka team, Devdutt enjoys a massive following in South India, particularly among the Malayali and Kannadiga communities. His humility on social media and his focus on "letting the bat do the talking" have made him a favorite among purists of the game.
Upcoming Projects & Future Goals
For the 2026-2027 season, Padikkal’s primary goal is to cement his place in the Indian middle order for Test cricket and make a comeback to the ODI squad. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, he is working on his power-hitting to become a multi-format asset for India. Fans can expect him to lead the charge for Karnataka in the upcoming domestic calendar while continuing his journey with RCB.
Disclaimer: This biography is written using publicly available information and media reports as of March 2026. Statistics and net worth figures are estimates based on trade reports and may vary.