Dedvutt Padikkal had an awesome debut season for Karnataka in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he scored 580 runs from 12 matches at an average of 64.44 and a strike rate of 175.75. He scored 5 tons which included career-best 122 not out. The left-hander topped the batting charts in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well where he amassed 609 runs from 11 matches with two centuries and five half-centuries to his name.
Devdutt Padikkal Retained For Young Age, Form And Being A Left-Hander
Simon Katich said the decision to retain Devdutt Padikkal was due to his age and batting style in a recent media interaction which also witnessed the presence of RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson.
“The decision was made prior to his domestic season (to retain Devdutt Padikkal). As a young 20-year-old batsman, the fact that he’s a left-hander as well, he’s obviously going to be a favourite,” the Australian said.
Simon Katich further added that his terrific season for Karnataka across formats over the last year has helped him to grab the focus ahead of IPL 2020.
“When it comes to the balance of the batting order you do like to break up left-hand, right-hand batting combinations so I think he’s done everything possible to put his hand up and potentially make his debut in the IPL,” Katich said about the young southpaw.
However, with RCB having bought Australian star opener, Aaron Finch, for IPL 2020, there remain a few questions about whether Devdutt Padikkal will indeed earn his spot at the top of the order.
Devdutt Padikkal Has A Bright Future Ahead Of Him: Simon Katich
The RCB squad is currently undergoing a mandatory quarantine period in their hotel and the players are all set to begin their three-week training camp in next few days where Simon Katich believes that Devdutt Padikkal will have the right platform to showcase his talent.
“Obviously now it’s upto him to put his best case forward in the camp, we’ll have some practice matches where I’m sure he will get an opportunity to play. He’s an exciting young talent,” the RCB head coach said.
Devdutt Padikkal who is aged 20 has his name doing the rounds with RCB fans seeking for his inclusion in the playing XI when the Virat Kohli led franchise step onto the field for the first time in IPL 2020.
“He’s done a little bit of work during this lockdown period as well with our sports psychologist and he’s certainly got a bright future ahead of him – not just on the cricket field but also how he thinks about the game so far, from a mental skills point of view. It’s great to have him in our squad and we’re certainly excited by what he potentially could do,” Katich added.
IPL 2020 will be Devdutt Padikkal’s second edition with RCB after he was left out for the whole of IPL 2019. RCB are blessed with various options at the top of the batting order including the likes of wicket-keepers Parthiv Patel, Josh Philippe and opener Aaron Finch while some excellent weeks in the training camp could give the Karnataka youngster his maiden IPL cap.