‘The ultimate goal is to represent India in Test cricket’: Devdutt Padikkal

‘The ultimate goal is to represent India in Test cricket’: Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal made a dream debut during the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Karnataka-born amassed 473 runs in 15 matches for his side at a decent average of over 31.

Padikkal continued with his form during the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy as well where he smashed 737 runs in seven innings at a scintillating average of 147. The 20-year old is now all set for IPL 2021, scheduled from April 9. 

Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal said during a recent interview that his ultimate goal is to play for India in the longest format. He added that currently, he aims to target one game at a time, whether IPL or domestic cricket.

Also Read | IPL 2021: ‘I feel privileged to be part of Chennai Super Kings,’ says Cheteshwar Pujara

“The ultimate goal is to play for India in the longest format. In the short term, I am going to focus on each game at a time. That’s what I have tried to do in the past couple of years. It didn’t matter if I was playing IPL or a domestic tournament. I just wanted to make sure every game I play, I make an impact and improve,” Padikkal told Hindustan Times.

‘You have to push yourself while batting with Virat Kohli’: Padikkal

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal

Padikkal also talked about RCB skipper and his teammate Virat Kohli. He mentioned that Kohli plays at such a high level that the batsman at the other end needs to push his game. While hailing Virat, Padikkal said that he understands the game so well, when to take a chance and when to pull back.

“He plays at such a high level; when you are batting with him, you feel you have to really push yourself and match the standard at which he plays. That helped improve my game. Batting with him, he makes the game pretty easy. He understands the game so well, when to take a chance and when to pull back, and when to really go after the bowling. When you have so much knowledge and experience it makes our job very easy at the other end,” he added.

Also Read | IPL 2021: Rishabh Pant appointed as Delhi Capitals’ captain; Shreyas Iyer ruled out of tournament