He Is Ready To Give Any Kind Of Advice Whenever I Need It - Devdutt Padikkal On Experience of Learning From Rahul Dravid
Published - 05 Apr 2021, 08:18 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:43 AM
Royal Challengers Bangalore opener, Devdutt Padikkal has been a sensation in Indian cricket since making his domestic debut and achieving instant success in the IPL. The 20-year-old has cemented his place in both Karnataka and is a likely starter for RCB in IPL 2021 as well after his brilliant season last year.
In IPL 2020, in the UAE, Devdutt Padikkal ended up as the leading run-scorer for RCB, aggregating 473 runs at an average of 31.53, outscoring even Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
He attributes the learnings he received from former India batsman, Rahul Dravid to his success. The southpaw says that the legendary batsman has always answered his queries of any type and advised him to work hard and improve as much as he can.
“I have spoken with Rahul (Dravid) sir a few times. Whenever I have the chance, I have met him. I met him at the KCA most of the time. He is such a humble person. He is ready to give any kind of advice whenever I need it. You can always walk up to him and ask him anything. He has the solution for everything,” Devdutt Padikkal told Times of India.
“He always told me that ‘keep working hard, keep learning and keep improving as much as possible. Whenever I met him, I learnt something new. It is always nice and great talking to him. Whenever I get time, I go and speak with him. I listen to him carefully,” he added.
Looking forward to scoring a good amount of runs: Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal carried his terrific IPL form to domestic cricket as well. For Karnataka, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 218 runs in 6 innings at an average of 43.60 and a strike rate of 134.56. He batted even better in the Vijay Hazare Trophy amassing 737 runs in 7 matches – including 4 consecutive hundreds – at an astonishing average of 147.40,
Padikkal wishes to continue this form in IPL 2021 as well and feels that RCB has a strong squad, well-equipped to end their title drought. Unfortunately, the youngster has tested positive for covid-19 and will miss the season opener against Mumbai Indians.
“The side is looking strong. We have star players. I had a huge learning (curve) last season and will aim to carry on the same show in the IPL too. Looking forward to scoring a good amount of runs for RCB and helping the team win the title,” the left-hander stated.
