Opener Devdutt Padikkal has had a dream run in the ongoing IPL 2020 so far for his franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He has made 174 runs in 4 matches with 3 half-centuries at an average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 134.88.
Padikkal has impressed one and all with his maturity and ability to play according to situations. He has formed a good opening pair with Aaron Finch and has shown that he can bat through the overs as well and dominate the bowlers at will.
He received rich praises from RCB’s director of cricket, Mike Hesson, who said, “He's (Padikkal) got a huge amount of talent, he's actually taking pressure off the guy he's batting with. He is assessing the time he needs to put the foot down. He is choosing good options, which you expect from an experienced player, but to back it up, he's been outstanding, so his next challenge is to try and deal with the heat.”
Padikkal’s highest score has been 63 which came against Rajasthan Royals recently.
"It looks like he belongs here doesn't he. He came in and he is obviously in good touch. There's a lot spoken about him, so he's in a little bit of pressure, but he played with a calmness that we've seen at all different levels,” Hesson added.
"And as I mentioned early on, if he can get that 60 turnings into an 80 or 90, he will take the game away from someone, but so far he has been outstanding," the Director of Cricket at RCB added.
Coach Simon Katich also spoke highly of the young batsman and said, “He's surrounded by a lot of experience at the top of our order. So if he is unsure about the situation, he's got lots of guidance out there. I think he's complimenting the other guys at the crease in terms of when he needs to go (and) when de doesn't have to. He's batting with the maturity beyond his years at the moment and it's great to see that.”
Padikkal even got laurels from his opening partner Aaron Finch, who mentioned, “He played a great knock and timed the ball beautifully. He's all class; and longer the tournament goes, he will get better.”
RCB next locks horns with Delhi Capitals on Monday at the Dubai International Stadium.
(ANI inputs)
