Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Devdutt Padikkal scored a brilliant century as they continued their winning run against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium. Chasing 178 runs, Padikkal and skipper Virat Kohli stitched a match-winning stand as Bangalore continued their winning streak in IPL 2021. They now go past Chennai Super Kings to occupy the top spot in the points table.
Meanwhile, the young cricketer from Karnataka will remember this knock for a long long time. After suffering from the deadly coronavirus to start the tournament on a bad note, Devdutt Padikkal bounced back in a grand fashion. The southpaw was in scintillating form in the domestic tournaments – Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and now he has carried it in the IPL.
The emerging player from IPL 2020, Devdutt Padikkal took things into his own hands to chase down 178 runs set by Rajasthan Royals, who were at one stage 18 for three. 177 was always below-par at the Wankhede but nobody expected the Bangalore openers to make such a mockery of the total. Padikkal’s strokeplay was dazzling from the word go, allowing Virat Kohli to settle and the latter also hit top gear later on in the innings. It was the young left-hander’s game though, and he fittingly produced a superb ton. Kohli too got a form-inducing half-century to be the first cricketer to score 6000 IPL runs and the target was chased down with 21 balls left without a single wicket lost.
Twitter bows down to Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt remained unbeaten on 101 runs from 52 deliveries that included 11 boundaries and six over-boundaries. He paced the innings to perfect which will boost Royal Challengers Bangalore’s confidence going ahead into the competition. The social media was high on Devdutt Padikkal soon after produced a match-winning ton. From Harsha Bhogle to Kevin Pietersen, the cricketing fraternity poured down heavily to bow down to the 20-year-old.
Here are reactions:
Devdutt Padikkal has played a supremely masterful innings. The sheer power and dominance of his stroke-play was something to behold. And, he enjoys batting with his captain Virat Kohli. Well played @RCBTweets
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 22, 2021
Very very happy for @devdpd07. There is genuine class here
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 22, 2021
Brilliant šÆ by @devdpd07 it was an inning which was pleasing to the eye.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 22, 2021
This boy #DevduttPadikkal is ready to play for Team India. What a talent! Treat to watch his six hitting ability. Reminds me of @YUVSTRONG12 @RCBTweets #RCBvRR #IPL2021
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) April 22, 2021
Amazing knock from Padikkal! Such class and composure šš½
— Shai Hope (@shaidhope) April 22, 2021
What a knock that is @devdpd07 special innings āremember the name ā š think we will be hearing plenty from this young man šš¾š„ #ipl2021
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) April 22, 2021
The #rr top order after watching #padikkal and #virat bat must have realised the opportunity they have lost on a wicket like this! #RCBvRR #VIVOIPL
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) April 22, 2021
Padikkal is PROPER
— Kevin Pietersenš¦ (@KP24) April 22, 2021
Such a mighty effort by young #devduttpadikkal !!!
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 22, 2021
Fantastic innings from young Padikkal. And this year @RCBTweets are in ominous form, which is great to see. Kohli and Padikkal made it look very easy. #RCBvRR pic.twitter.com/fIUC9lImjP
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 22, 2021
