Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Devdutt Padikkal has been one of the star attractions in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has hogged the headlines ever since the tournament started in IPL 2020. Recently, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg has predicted big things for the youngster saying he has the pedigree to play for India.
Meanwhile, Padikkal first made the headlines with his ruthless run-scoring spree in the Karnataka Premier League for Bellary Tuskers. He scored centuries at will and was immediately rewarded with the Ranji Trophy cap. Since then, he has not looked back.
Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired his services ahead of IPL 2019 for a mere Rs 20 lakh. Although he had to warm the benches in 2019, Devdutt Padikkal gained valuable experiences sharing the dressing room with some of the modern-day greats.
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Devdutt Padikkal will play for India – Brad Hogg
But the cricketer has gone from strength to strength in the last year scoring tons of runs in the last season. And, Padikkal has been one of the main reasons behind Royal Challengers Bangalore’s winning run in IPL 2020. The southpaw has already scored three fifties which has impressed Brad Hogg.
Hogg seemed mighty impressed how the youngster has worked hard against the short-pitch deliveries and perfect the shot. Incidentally, Brad Hogg had earlier stated Devdutt Padikkal has a weak link against the bouncers after his shortcomings against Sheldon Cottrell.
“It’s Devdutt Padikkal’s first IPL and he has made three fifties out of four innings. In the second game, he really got tested by Cottrell with that short ball into the ribs. But I have seen him play a couple of pull shots against quality quick bowling after that. This kid has got the goods to play for India,” Brad Hogg said on his YouTube channel.
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Speaking further, Brad Hogg added that Devdutt Padikkal is a quick learner and has impressed how he tackled the short-pitch deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah.
“In the second game, Padikkal got tested by Cottrell by the short ball. The next game, he pulled Bumrah with the short ball to the body. That showed me that he is a quick thinker. He learns quickly. And that is probably the best batting performance that I have seen, his three fifties in four innings,” Brad Hogg said.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will hope Padikkal to keep his dream run as they chase their maiden IPL trophy.