In an otherwise disappointing season, Devdutt Padikkal was the only positive for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020. He ended as the top-run getter for the franchise as RCB bowed out of the season after losing the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Padikkal’s prowess with the bat has impressed BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, who is hoping that he will play soon in India colours. Padikkal being a left-hander can also work to his advantage feels the former Indian skipper.
Devdutt Padikkal Could Play For India – Sourav Ganguly
Talking at India Today’s programme Inspiration, Ganguly spoke about how he was impressed by Padikkal’s debut season in the IPL. The southpaw from Karnataka solves Royal Challengers Bangalore’s batting woes in IPL 2020 offering consistency at the top.
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“He’s got talent and time when he plays fast bowling. Let him go through a couple of seasons because the second season will be a lot harder. India want openers so hopefully, he will get his game right at the top level” said Ganguly on the youngster.
Sourav Ganguly also spoke about seeing him for the first time in a Ranji match at Eden Gardens between Bengal and Karnataka.
“He is a very good talent. Although T20 cricket is the first step…I saw him play an innings at Eden Gardens in the Ranji Trophy semi-final in Bengal vs Karnataka…Karnataka was a strong side and he stood tall,” Ganguly added
Devdutt Padikkal being an opener has shown good maturity in the games that he has performed. He formed a good partnership with Aaron Finch at the top and gave quick starts to his team. His good run in the domestic circuit earned him his first IPL contract. His performance in his debut season might help him earn his India cap soon.
The left-hander finished the season with 473 runs from 15 games with five fifties. He might well win the Emerging Player of the Season Award with his performances with the bat. He has also taken 8 catches in the tournament to prove his fielding skills. Padikkal has made a strong mark for himself and he will surely be among RCB’s top priority list next season.
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