Karnataka Star’s 199: Is He Really India’s Next Pujara?

Devdutt Padikkal’s sensational 199 against New Zealand A has strengthened his case as a long term option for India’s Test team.

The left hander has already shown what he can do at No. 3 in senior international cricket, and his latest performance adds weight to the argument that he could become India’s next Cheteshwar Pujara.

Devdutt Padikkal missed out on a double century by just one run in the first unofficial Test at Lincoln on Monday, October 26.

He scored 199 off 248 balls, hitting 24 fours and three sixes. His innings helped India A recover after being bowled out for 113 in their first innings and conceding 317 runs to New Zealand A.

The Karnataka batter first added 215 runs with Sai Sudharsan, who scored 91, before sharing another 142 run partnership with Yash Rathod.

Devdutt Padikkal took responsibility when India A needed a big innings and handled the New Zealand A pace attack despite the windy conditions.

What makes his performance more interesting is that Padikkal has already delivered for India at No. 3.

During the 2026 Test series against Sri Lanka, he scored a century in Galle and followed it up with another hundred in the second Test.

The comparison with Pujara is not about playing exactly the same way. It is about having a batter who can spend time at the crease, build long innings and help the team recover when early wickets fall. Padikkal has shown these qualities in domestic cricket, India A matches and senior Test cricket.

India still need to give him a consistent run, but his performances make a strong case for backing him at No. 3.

His 199 against New Zealand A is another reminder of what he can offer in red ball cricket. If Padikkal continues this form, the comparison with Pujara may become harder to dismiss.