IPL 2021: Coming Out Of Covid Was Big Challenge; Really Glad I Could Contribute To Team, Says Devdutt Padikkal After Smacking Century Against Rajasthan Royals

Devdutt Padikkal smashed a spectacular century against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021. The Royal Challengers Bangalore opener hit 101 runs off just 52 balls to achieve his maiden IPL hundred. Padikkal smashed 6 sixes and 11 boundaries to outclass Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers in the match. Post the match, Padikkal said that it was a big challenge for him to come out of Covid-19.

Padikkal was tested positive of Covid-19 ahead of the start of IPL 2021. The 20-year-old cricketer had to undergo quarantine and multiple tests before his return to the squad. He could also not feature in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s first match against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021. But just in his second game of IPL 2021, Padikkal smacked a century to showcase his batting might.

Coming Out Of Covid Was Big Challenge: Devdutt Padikkal

During the post-match virtual conference, Devdutt Padikkal spoke about fighting Covid-19. He said that coming out of Covid was a big challenge but he is really glad that he could contribute to the team in his 2^nd match itself.

“Coming out of Covid was definitely a big challenge and I was really glad that I could contribute to the team from the second game. So as long as I am contributing and the team is winning, that’s all that matters to me,” Devdutt Padikkal said.

Padikkal also said that he has just tried to stick to his processes in every game and keep things simple.

“To be honest, I have only looked to keep things simple throughout the last 2 seasons. I am not trying to do anything different or special. I have just tried to stick to my processes every game and tried to stay as consistent as possible. And, thankfully, I have been able to do that,” Devdutt Padikkal further said.

Along with his century, Devdutt Padikkal also managed a 181-run stand with Virat Kohli, as the RCB skipper scored unbeaten 72 runs. RCB defeated Rajasthan Royals by 10 wickets as Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers totally failed to crush the Virat-Padikkal bond in the match. RCB also registered their 4^th straight victory in IPL 2021.

With 4 wins in 4 matches, the Virat Kohli and boys hold the top spot in IPL 2021 points table with 8 points. RCB will locks horns with Chennai Super Kings in their next match. The match will be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 25.