Devdutt Padikkal has been hogging all the limelight ever since the conclusion of last season’s Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE. He amassed 473 runs in 15 games and ended the season as the top scorer of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
After opening the innings with Aaron Finch last season, Padikkal has been opening the batting alongside skipper Virat Kohli in the ongoing IPL 2021. Kohli is known for his aggressive outlook towards the game.
On being asked whether he will be playing the aggressive role since he is opening with the Indian skipper, Padikkal reckoned that it will be an enriching experience to open alongside Virat Kohli. He added that he wants to emulate Virat’s unmatchable passion for the game.
“I do not think so. 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,” the Kerala-born batsman was quoted as saying by Rediff.
With three wins from as many outings, RCB currently occupy the top spot in the IPL 2021 points table. Speaking about the same, Padikkal said that the franchise has a balanced squad and there is a real togetherness among the players.
“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,” he added.
Padikkal has often asserted that he idolises former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir. On being asked about the same, he said that Gambhir is a big match player and has always helped the team in crunch situations.
“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,” he signed off.