Devdutt Padikkal talked about his learnings from interactions with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli. The Karnataka left-hander says he has learnt a lot from Kohli's passion and determination at the crease and has enjoyed immense success following the great batsman's ways.
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"I spoke to Virat a couple of times during the IPL," Devdutt told India Today in an interview. "There's so much to learn from him. The kind of passion and determination he had towards the game. The commitment he had. He always kept the team ahead of him. He always wanted the team to win and he would do anything for that. That was so heartening to see and you know, that something I try to pick up from him."
After enjoying a fantastic run for Karnataka across formats, Devdutt would've been hoping to continue the momentum in this year's edition of the IPL for RCB. However, the tournament remains under suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am looking forward to playing for RCB. Being a Bangalore boy, that's something I have always dreamt of. To play in front of packed Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL."
"I am really looking forward to playing in the IPL whenever I get the opportunity and doing well for the side. To be able to share the dressing room with such greats of the game, like Virat and AB, I just can't wait to get that opportunity."
The 19-year-old topped the run-charts in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 before ending the Ranji Trophy as Karnataka's highest run-getter in what was his first full-fledged senior domestic season.
"It's just hard work and dedication towards the game," he said. "I have been working hard for the past 2-3 years. I have been consistent everywhere I played."
"I have just tried to continue that at the senior level because I knew that as soon as I get the opportunity, I take it with both hands and really make a mark."
"That's exactly what I did in my first full season. That was the plan all along. I just wanted to stick to my strengths and enjoy my game."
Devdutt wishes to play Test cricket for India.
"My short term would definitely be to continue to do well for Karnataka," he said. "I want to try and make a mark for RCB when I get a chance to play in the IPL. My long-term goal is obviously to play for India. Test cricket is something that I have always admired and that will be my ultimate goal."
(Inputs from India Today)
