Virat Kohli Asked Me To Continue The Hard Work And Not Let The Success Affect Me: Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal had an IPL 2020 edition to remember as he bagged the emerging player of the tournament award. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, whose journey ended in the playoffs, Devdutt Padikkal was the highest run-getter for the franchise, leaving behind even AB De Villiers and captain Virat Kohli. The 24-year old credited his skipper, who helped him along the way hugely in different aspects.

Devdutt Padikkal hammered 473 runs in 15 games at 31.53 with a decent strike rate of 124 along with five half-centuries. Padikkal remained a constant fixture at the top of the order even as the management kept shuffling between Aaron Finch and Josh Philippe as his partner. He provided brisk starts to the franchise at almost times, earning respect from plaudits and backing to play for India soon.

Devdutt Padikkal admitted that even though it was a highly encouraging start, he stressed that there is a lot more to improve upon. He revealed that Kohli taught him how to build his innings and continue the hard work without getting carried away by success. The youngster vows to keep on improving and enjoying his game without thinking too far ahead.

“There’s a long way to go for me and there’s so much I have to improve upon. It’s just the beginning. Virat helped me along the way in terms of how to build innings. He asked me to continue to work hard and not let the success affect me. Keep pushing ahead and keep improving is what he told me, and that’s what I am going to do. It’s important one should continue to enjoy the game and not get caught in thoughts regarding policy and playing for the country because that’s going to happen when the time is right,” Padikkal told India Today.

“I used to enjoy Gautam Gambhir’s batting” : Devdutt Padikkal

The Kerala-born batsman conceded enjoying Gautam Gambhir’s batting since the former Indian opener used to step up when the team needed him the most. Since Gambhir best delivered under pressure, Padikkal revealed him as one of his cricketing idols.

“I used to enjoy his (Gambhir) batting and really liked the fact that he would deliver whenever his team would require it the most. Whenever the team was under pressure you could count on him. He is one of my cricket idols,” he added.

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