Devdutt Padikkal admitted beating the coronavirus was a ‘big challenge after scoring his maiden IPL hundred in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 10-wicket win.
The Karnatka left-hander missed out on RCB’s first game of the season against Mumbai Indians as he contracted the virulent disease before the tournament began. The southpaw had to undergo a quarantine and multiple tests before rejoining the squad.
Devdutt Padikkal Glad To Contribute To Team’s Cause From 2nd Game After Coming Out Of Covid-19
Since his comeback, Devdutt Padikkal has scored 137 runs at an average of 68.50, including the 52-ball ton against the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. This knock helped RCB to a flawless 10-wicket win. Speaking after the game, the southpaw expressed his delight in contributing to the team’s success in the tournament.
“Coming out of Covid was definitely a big challenge and I was really glad that I could contribute to the team from the second game. So as long as I am contributing and the team is winning, that’s all that matters to me,” said Devdutt Padikkal in a virtual press conference.
His record-breaking ton included 11 boundaries and 6 maximums. His unbeaten 181-run stand with skipper Virat Kohli is the highest opening partnership for the Bangalore franchise. Moreover, their chase of RR’s total of 178 is the third-highest total chased in the tournament without losing a wicket.
Devdutt Padikkal Wasn’t Trying To Do Anything Different Or Special
Speaking on his innings, Devdutt Padikkal said he wasn’t trying to do anything extraordinary but just sticking to his processes. The opener scored 101 runs and helped RCB chase down RR’s target in just 16.3 overs with ten wickets in hand in an IPL 2021 match.
It was an impressive display from the left-hander as he smashed 6 sixes and 11 fours during his entertaining 52-ball unbeaten knock.
It was the 2nd IPL 2021 ton after RR’s Sanju Samson who had scored 119 against Punjab in a lost cause.
“To be honest, I have only looked to keep things simple throughout the last 2 seasons. I am not trying to do anything different or special. I have just tried to stick to my processes every game and tried to stay as consistent as possible. And, thankfully, I have been able to do that,” said Devdutt Padikkal.
Royal Challengers Bangalore mauled Rajasthan Royals on Thursday to win their fourth straight game of Indian Premier League 2021. RCB restricted RR to a total of 177 runs after an impressive performance from Indian seamers Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel. RCB will now play arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.
Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 181/0 (Devdutt Padikkal 101*, Virat Kohli 72*) beat Rajasthan Royals 177/9 (Shivam Dube 46, Rahul Tewatia 40; Mohammed Siraj 3/27) by 10 wickets.