Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal has opened up about the darkest phase of his life, revealing how a serious health issue almost made him give up his cricketing dreams. Devdutt Padikkal was fighting ulcerative colitis, a chronic disease of the intestine that hugely affected his health, fitness and cricketing abilities in 2022.
But the left-handed batter has now recalled his fighting spirit with a brilliant innings of 199 runs for India A against New Zealand A in Lincoln. He missed a memorable double-century by just one run, but his performance was another example of how far he has come after battling a serious illness that once threatened his career.
Devdutt Padikkal's health issues surfaced when he was representing Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 IPL. He first thought it was food poisoning, but his condition became worse. He often felt sick and tired and lost around 10 to 11 kilograms in a few months.
The Karnataka batsman had multiple hospital visits between September and December 2022. His illness ensured that he missed out on important domestic matches including the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Padikkal was worried that his career in cricket might be over.
He had a long way to go to recover and was put on a strict diet with no spices, gluten or dairy products to keep his life-long condition in check. Amid this, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant likely to feature in India A’s third Test before New Zealand series.
Devdutt Padikkal feared his career was over after serious illness
After his record-breaking innings, Padikkal said his illness was the toughest phase of his life and he feared it could end his cricket career. After spending nearly two years struggling with his health, he was thankful to the doctors, nutritionists, and everyone who helped him recover and make him come back at the highest level again.
Devdutt Padikkal was quoted as saying by the Times of India, “That was definitely the most difficult part of my life so far. It felt like things were against me.
I thought this was probably going to be the end of my cricketing career because when you're out of cricket in India for a period that long, even if you miss one season, it feels like everyone else is miles ahead of you. To not be at my best for close to two years definitely felt that way. It definitely felt like I was not going to be able to get over this.”
Devdutt Padikkal opens up on painful comeback journey and what his illness taught him
Padikkal’s only aim during that difficult time was to get healthy, regain his fitness, and return to cricket. The experience made him more determined and taught him to value every chance to represent India and his state, Karnataka, in the domestic cricket.
The RCB star further explained, “I just wanted to get healthy, get fit, and make sure that I was playing cricket again. Eventually, once I got out of that phase, I was obviously doubly determined to get back to the stage where I felt I belonged.”
The batter also explained that the experience changed his outlook on life and cricket. Padikkal signed off by saying, “I think that was part of my journey, and it's something that I'm really grateful for experiencing because now I feel it's given me an added sense of gratitude whenever I get an opportunity to play for the country or my state. It makes me feel so blessed that I was able to get through that sickness and health issue and get back to playing on the field.”
Hence then, the article about devdutt padikkal reveals illness that nearly ended his career was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Devdutt Padikkal reveals illness that nearly ended his career )
Also on site :
- Ree Drummond Started a Blog About Life on an Oklahoma Ranch in 2006; 20 Years Later, She Has a Food Network Empire and a Retail Brand at Walmart
- Iran war live: Iran says US ‘not serious’ about talks; ship ablaze off Iraq
- Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, October 27, 2026