Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal aims India selection through his performance in the ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), saying he is just focusing on performing consistently and taking each opportunity to make a mark in the IPL 14.
The left-hander also opened up about his new opening role for the RCB in the ongoing IPL 2021 as well as his bond with senior stalwarts like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
Before the start of the IPL 2021, Padikkaltested positive for COVID-19 and he had to miss RCB's opening game against Mumbai Indians. However, the Karnataka star managed to find a way in the RCB XI for the next two games against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) but could manage only 36 runs so far in the IPL 14.
Padikkal told ANI: “I do not think so (on him playing the aggressive role since he is opening with Virat). He is such a talented cricketer; he has so much experience, to be playing with him makes my game easier. I am really looking forward to having a really good partnership with him. Definitely, Virat's passion for the game, the drive for the game he has is remarkable, that is something I have really tried to pick up on.”
He further added, “To be honest, I look at every game as an opportunity to make a mark and that's what I have continued to do since the past two seasons. That's why I believe consistency is the most important part of the game right now and that is what I am looking to do, be it the IPL or domestic tournaments. I am just looking to do well in every single game I play and eventually, the selection thing is not in my hands, hopefully someday I will get there.
We have a balanced RCB side this season and we have a lot of options in every department. It is great to have such a great combination and that knowledge and experience as well. We can see that there is a real togetherness about the team this season.”
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Explaining why he idolizes Gautam Gambhir, the 20-year-old said: “He was a big-game player and it is one thing I really want to emulate because it is in those crunch situations that those big players come out and do well for the side. He always seemed to do that when the team was under pressure and that is something I would want to do.”
On Glenn Maxwell and De Villiers, Padikkal said: “Maxwell is an amazing cricketer like you have seen in the previous innings, the shots he plays can change the game on its head. To have such game-changers in the squad is really important. It is really great to see how he has started off the tournament and hopefully, he can continue to do this throughout the season.”
He signed off by saying, “To be honest, I think AB de Villiers keeps things simple in terms of his batting. He does not overcomplicate the situation too much and the sheer skill he has to pull of the shots is remarkable. That is something I have tried asking him and he always says to keep things simple. He is a talented individual and it is great to play alongside him.”
(With ANI Inputs)
