IPL 2021: “Covid was a setback, wish it didn’t happen”, Devdutt Padikkal fine to play for RCB now
Devdutt Padikkal, the young opening batsman for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), provided a positive update with regards to his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Padikkal confirmed that he is “completely fine now”, having recovered post contracting the COVID-19.
Padikkal had to home quarantine upon testing positive for the contagious various and was allowed to enter the RCB team bubble for IPL 2021 only after giving three negative tests. While Padikkal was available for RCB’s campaign opener against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 9, he was rested as part of the team’s precautionary measure to not rush him into the tournament.
In a video posted over the official RCB Twitter handle, Devdutt Padikkal stated that while testing positive ahead of the IPL was a setback, he is fine to resume the on-field duties now.
“Covid was a setback, I wished that it did not happen but that is something I could not control so once it was there, I had to accept the way it was,” he said. “It was just about making sure that I stay fit and be ready for the game. I am completely fine now, most importantly I am able to move around. Unless you are a 100 per cent, you cannot push yourself so I just wanted to make sure that I am 100 per cent.”
Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal Interview
After a roller coaster ride in the last six months, a fit and rejuvenated Devdutt Padikkal is raring to gung-ho again. Watch his interview on @myntra presents Bold Diaries.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/7CFkJFb4Sw
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 12, 2021
“Covid was a setback, wish it didn’t happen”, Devdutt Padikkal fine to play for RCB now
After enjoying a fantastic run in domestic tournaments for Karnataka, Devdutt Padikkal went on to be one of RCB’s bright spots in the IPL last year. His breakthrough season saw the left-hander make 473 runs in 15 matches an average of 31.53 and strike-rate of 124.80.
“It has been a roller coaster to an extent. Last IPL was amazing for me and it was such a great experience,” said Padikkal about his journey and how he has managed all the praise and expectations.
“The opportunities I got and the fact that I was able to contribute for the side was all that mattered. After that, Syed Mushtaq Ali was decent and then Vijay Hazare, I was just looking to get into my rhythm, it was really great to have the runs behind me coming into the IPL. I know I am confident as I have runs behind me in the domestic season.”
In the build-up to the IPL 2021, Padikkal had a stellar Vijay Hazare Trophy for Karnataka. He made 737 runs with 4 centuries at an astonishing average of 147.40 while maintaining a strike-rate of 95.96. The youngster finished as the tournament’s second highest run-getter and reinforced his talent and promise.
“My favourite innings would be against Mumbai which we had in Abu Dhabi last season. I felt that it was the best that I batted throughout the IPL, but in terms of being the most memorable, it could be the first one because the debut is a special feeling and to be able to get fifty in the first match, always feels good,” said Padikkal, recalling his best performances in the IPL 2020 last year.
After missing out on the MI encounter, Devdutt Padikkal will be gearing up for RCB’s next fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Chennai on Wednesday (April 14).