Playing his maiden IPL match his career, Karnataka and India U-19 batsman Devdutt Padikkal scored a belligerent fifty opening the batting for RCB. He scored his fifty in 36 balls. Paddikal looked in complete control from the start of his innings as he smacked bowlers all-around the park. He looked authoritative right from the get go and out shadowed his batting partner and the Australian ODI skipper Aaron Finch.
Meanwhile, the Twitterverse applauded his efforts with the bat as the youngster added a 50-run stand with Aaron Finch. Here is how Devdutt Padikkal was praised for his knock. He was finally dismissed for 56 from 42 balls in the 11th over by Vijay Shankar.
Padikkal 👏 👏 👏 #RCBVsSRH
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 21, 2020
Devdutt Padikkal….we are witnessing a very special player making a solid first impression. So glad that #RCB has given him an opportunity in the first game itself. #IPL2020 #SRHvRCB
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 21, 2020
RCB have most productive 1st Powerplay in the tournament so far thanks to young Devdutt Padikkal. Looks a blithe spirit, unafraid to take risks and play big shots
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 21, 2020
Not surprised to see Padikkal bossing , class act . #RCBvSRH
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) September 21, 2020
Those who followed Indian domestic cricket during last season won't be surprised to see Devdutt Padikkal batting…
A Gifted Cricketer.
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) September 21, 2020
Padikkal is really fearless, making his IPL debut and smashing all over the ground.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 21, 2020
Devdutt Padikkal:
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019/20 – Highest run-getter
11 inns
609 runs
67.66 ave
81.09 SR
2 100s
5 50sSyed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019/20 – Highest run-getter
12 inns
580 runs
64.44 ave
175.75 SR
1 100
5 50sHow good will he be in #IPL2020 ?#RCBvSRH
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) September 21, 2020
the australian captain is playing the supporting role in a partnership with a 20 year old uncapped indian kid #IPL2020 #SRHvsRCB
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) September 21, 2020
Devdutt Padikkal seems to be a serious talent…..
He has scored a fifty on debut in all three formats – first-class, list A and Twenty20 !#SRHvsRCB— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) September 21, 2020
Impressive from Devdutt Padikkal. Keeps his head still and hits through the line. He was the highest run-getter in the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he had amassed 580 runs in 12 matches at 64.44. #IPL2020 #RCBvSRH
— Gautam Chauhan🏏 (@Gautamchauhan2) September 21, 2020
Since 2018, Devdutt Paddikal's Average + Strike Rate in T20s is 240.19. The highest in the world among 349 batsmen who have scored at least 500 runs. Having a fine debut for RCB at the moment. #SRHvsRCB
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) September 21, 2020
Meanwhile, earlier, at the toss, David Warner won the toss and elected field first. RCB got off to a good start and in the fourth over of RCB innings, Mitchell Marsh injured his ankle and was forced to leave the ground.
Also Read: Virat Kohli In Line To Join MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma In An Elite IPL List
SRH mentor VVS Laxman said that the injury does look bad at the moment, hoping that he recovers in time to bat in the second innings if required.
“The injury looks bad as of now. However, we are hopeful that he will come out to bat later in the day when required” Laxman said.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli starts another IPL season as the captain of RCB hoping to win the elusive title that has been away from their grasp.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Gautam Gambhir Names Surprise Opener For RCB
