Indian cricket found a newborn star in Devdutt Padikkal on Thursday. With his classical cover drives and lofts, the 20-year-old gave glimpses of the young Sourav Ganguly. Former India skipper Ganguly also reacted to a dream IPL start of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Devdutt Padikkal.
After grabbing eyeballs in the Karnataka Premier League, the tall and lanky batsman joined the Royal Challengers ahead of 2019 IPL. However, due to a star-studded line-up, Padikkal had to warm the benches throughout the season. The left-handed used the opportunity to hone his skills sharing the dressing room with some of the finest of the games.
Enjoyed Watching Devdutt Padikkal play – Sourav Ganguy
The domestic season than followed the IPL was the game changer for young Padikkal. He took the opportunity on his stride and scored tons and tons of runs in domestic cricket to be in the reckoning. Coming from a heavy run-scoring spree, it was anticipated that Devdutt Padikkal will open the innings for RCB alongside Aaron Finch.
Also read: 5 Things You Need To Know About Devdutt Padikkal
And oh boy! he crossed the passing marks in his first game. While Finch found it difficult to get his timing right, Padikkal slammed the bowlers with ease. His cover drives and flaps over the mid-wickets fielders were a treat to watch. His still head helped him play his shots with ease.
Capped with eight boundaries, the cricketer from Karnataka knocked 56 runs off 42 deliveries to give a flying start. He became the first Indian cricketer in 10 years to score a fifty on debut. Reacting on the same, BCCI President, who was in currently in the UAE, showered praise on Devdutt Padikkal.
“Enjoyed watching Devdutt Padikkal @RCBTweets..left handers grace so delightful,” Ganguly tweeted.
Enjoyed watching devdutt padikal @RCBTweets ..left handers grace so delightful
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) September 21, 2020
Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal’s knock alongside AB de Villiers cameo helped Royal Challengers Bangalore post a challenging total on the board. While at one stage it looked like the bowlers will once again let them down, Yuzvendra Chahal stood tall to change the game in their favour.
