Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Devdutt Padikkal, who had tested positive for COVID-19 has joined the rest of the squad in Chennai on Wednesday (7th April) after two negative coronavirus tests. 

The left-handed-batsman tested positive for coronavirus on March 22 and was home quarantined. The southpaw was the third IPL player after Delhi Capitals’ Akshar Patel and Kolkata Knight Riders’ Nitish Rana. 

Talking to their official Twitter account Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) informed about the opener’s return to team camp after testing negative for coronavirus. 

"We are pleased to inform that Royal Challengers Bangalore, left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal, has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports for Covid-19 as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being,” RCB said in a statement. 

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In a video posted, Devdutt Paddikal is seen thanking his fans for their support during the tough times and is eager to join the squad. 

“Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal joins the RCB camp after testing negative for COVID-19. He’s healthy, feeling better, and raring to go. Here’s a message to all RCB fans from Devdutt,” RCB captioned the video.

The Karnataka cricketer had a dream IPL debut season as he played a massive role in helping the team reaching the playoffs. The 20-year-old amassed 473 runs in 15 matches in IPL 2020, at an average of 31.53 and a strike rate of 124.80, and was also the leading run-scorer for Virat Kohli led side last year. 

RCB will play the season opener against MI on 9th April and will be hoping that Paddikal carries his form into IPL 2021 and provide them with good starts at the top of the order.