'Padikkal is a top-class player at the international level...': Dilip Vengsarkar on Devdutt
Updated On: 21 August, 2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar recalls watching No. 3 batter Devdutt’s impressive match-winning debut against England in 2024 and advising then BCCI chief Roger Binny to invest in the youngster, but that didn’t happen

India’s Devdutt Padikkal during his 44 on Day 4 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on Tuesday. Pic/BCCI
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has rated India’s new No. 3 batter Devdutt Padikkal, 26, very highly. Vengsarkar, a former national chief selector, revealed that the BCCI ignored his suggestion to invest in Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan, costing the duo valuable years in the early stage of their careers.
On Wednesday, Padikkal played a key role in India’s 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Galle Test, scoring 167 and 44 to be named Player of the Match.


