Padikkal, who started his IPL career at RCB, became India's 314th Test player on March 7. (Image: ANI)
Karnataka batter replaced Patidar who got injured a day before Dharamsala Test. (Image: ANI)
Padikkal is 23 and plays cricket for Karnataka and Rajasthan Royals. (Image: ANI)
Health struggles in 2022 led to hospital stays, weight loss, and batting challenges. (Image: ANI)
Padikkal made a strong comeback in Ranji Trophy 2023-24, stroking 556 runs in 6 innings. (Image: ANI)
When KL Rahul was ruled out of the Test series due to injury, Padikkal received the national call-up. (Image: ANI)
Padikkal had impressed many but his poor show and health crisis has pushed him on back foot in his career. (Image: ANI)
Padikkal was traded to LSG from RR and will look to score big runs for the team in IPL 2024. (Image: ANI)
Padikkal plays one of the best straight drives in the world. (Image: ANI)