IPL 2021: ‘Covid was a setback, I wished that it did not happen’ – ‘Completely fit’ Devdutt Padikkal confident of making domestic form count
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Devdutt Padikkal
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Devdutt Padikkal was in fine touch coming into the 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). But he was rule out of the opening encounter of his side as he tested positive for COVID-19. While he recovered from the virus, the franchise rested him for the opening encouter so as to nurse him back to 100 percent of his health.
The southpaw shares that he is now fully fit and rearing to get out in the middle. Padikkal adds that he is able to move freely now having recovered from the virus.
“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. 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 at 100 per cent, you cannot push yourself so I just wanted to make sure that I am 100 per cent,” said Padikkal in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of RCB.
“Last IPL was amazing for me and it was such a great experience,” Devdutt Padikkal
Padikkal had a breakthrough season in IPL 2020 in the UAE. He scored 473 runs in 15 matches an average of 31.53. He hails the season as a great learning experience it being his debut IPL season. The southpaw was in sublime touch in the Vijay Hazare Trophy where he scored 737 runs at an average over 100. Padikkal shares that the runs have bolstered his confidence and he will look to carry the domestic form into the league.
“It has been a roller coaster to an extent. Last IPL was amazing for me and it was such a great experience. 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,” said Padikkal.
Padikkal hails the game against Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi last season as his favourite IPL innings. It was in this game he struck a stunning 74, his highest score in the league. He adds that his debut IPL game will be the most memorable of all where he struck a fifty against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“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.
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Anshuman Mahapatra
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