IPL 2021: Devdutt Padikkal tests negative for COVID-19 – Reports
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Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal who had a breakthrough season with the bat for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last season tested positive for COVID-19 late in March and it was stated that he was in isolation ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2021. Now, in what is a positive update for the RCB franchise and its fans, the southpaw has reportedly tested negative for the virus today.
Padikkal took the IPL by storm last season as he scored as many as 5 half-centuries while opening the innings for RCB as he played a crucial role in helping the side make it to the playoffs. The 20-year-old scored a total of 473 runs and it is a no-brainer that he would be the preferred opener for the side this year as well. He is likely to be joined by skipper Virat Kohli who confirmed the same during India’s T20I series against England.
Devdutt Padikkal tests negative, according to reports
According to reports from india.com, Padikkal has reportedly tested negative for COVID-19 and he would be back in training very soon for the franchise. The report said, “Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Devdutt Padikkal – who had tested positive for COVID-19 on March 22 – has tested negative on Monday and will join the RCB bio-bubble after another negative test.”
Padikkal’s return would be a big boost to RCB who are likely to miss his services in the first match however. There is a like-for-like replacement in the form of Mohammad Azharuddeen of Kerala who had an excellent season with the bat at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. There is also the option of opening with overseas wicket-keeper batsman Finn Allen who also shone in the recent series for New Zealand against Bangladesh.
RCB kick off their IPL campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians on the 9th of April.
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Nevin Clinton
(2399 Articles Published)