Overcoming the perks of an extended break amid COVID-19 pandemic and taking the momentum he had behind him forward, young Devdutt Padikkal has a big challenge ahead of him during the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), starting September 19.
Currently training hard in UAE, the left-hand batsman, aged 20, had an amazing domestic season last winter for Karnataka and is geared up to make his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), having been part of the squad even last year but without any opportunity in the XI.
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Padikkal said it was "frustrating" to not have the IPL 2020 in the middle of the summer, when he had just had that prolific run across tournaments domestically, adding, however, that the adjustment is all in the mind and he is optimistic of a breakthrough maiden season in the league.
"Frustrating, yes," he told CricketNext. "Obviously I would have liked to come into the IPL season straight after that domestic season. But it's more in the mind I feel, nothing has changed since then and my mindset is still the same. So I have to just continue the same momentum I had."
"It wasn't easy to stay in touch with batting, you couldn't really go out. I had to be at home most of the times. I had a hanging ball set up in my house and I was just doing that or shadow practice, or anything that I could do to keep myself active and in touch with batting."
While runs in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, the country's premier first-class and List A tournaments, made Padikkal's ability evident, it is the televised Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 competition that got him the valuable attention of the fans.
The youngster has since carried a sense of anticipation around him, especially from the time coach Simon Katich said they are looking to open up space for him in the playing XI by asking the great AB de Villiers to don the gloves.
"The decision was made prior to his domestic season (to retain Devdutt Padikkal)," Katich had said. "As a young 20-year-old batsman, the fact that he's a left-hander as well, he's obviously going to be a favourite. When it comes to the balance of the batting order you do like to break up left-hand, right-hand batting combinations so I think he's done everything possible to put his hand up and potentially make his debut in the IPL."
"Obviously now it's up to him to put his best case forward in the camp, we'll have some practice matches where I'm sure he will get an opportunity to play. He's an exciting young talent."
Padikkal isn't feeling pressurised with expectations, instead thinks such high opinions of him is a great source of inspiration.
"Yes it definitely feels great to have fans behind you and have their support, to know that there are people backing you and wishing you well," Padikkal said. "Not really a pressure, it's just support. It's not them putting pressure on me, they're supporting me and it only motivates me even more to do well."
"It's been great (to be around seniors), they are such experienced cricketers and they've played so much and done so many things for the country and RCB, there's so much to learn and I'm just enjoying my time with them."
"The conditions (in UAE) are a bit different to what we're used to. But we're grateful that we're getting the opportunity to play cricket. Most of us thought we will not have an IPL this year, but the fact that it's happening and we'll be able to get some cricket is great," he added.
