IPL 2020: Rashid Khan Was The Most Challenging Bowler I Faced - Devdutt Padikkal

Royal Challengers Bangalore opener, Devdutt Padikkal names Sunrisers Hyderabad leg-spinner, Rashid Khan as the most challenging bowler he faced in the IPL 2020.

Padikkal made his IPL debut for RCB, and the left-hander finished the season as the leading run-scorer in his side, surpassing even the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. The 20-year-old accumulated 473 runs and recorded five half-centuries.

Rashid Khan is not easy to pick: Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal reveals Rashid Khan as the most challenging bowler he came up against. Padikkal said that since there are pacers who bowl fast in the domestic circuit, he didn’t have any major issues facing even the likes of Kagiso Rabada or Jofra Archer. However, the Afghanistan spinner troubled Padikkal.

The opener opined that Rashid Khan has a fast arm action, bowls with pace, and also turns the ball. Devdutt Padikkal felt that it is tough to pick the way where the ball will turn- whether it’s a leg-spinner or a googly. The left-hander said that Rashid is a unique bowler and he hasn’t faced anything like the leggie in domestic cricket. Rashid picked 20 wickets at an economy of 5.37.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Devdutt Padikkal said, “Pace, not really because there are quite a few bowlers who are pretty quick in the domestic circuit as well. Probably the one bowler I felt was challenging was Rashid Khan because he has a really good pace and turns the ball at the same time. He’s not easy to pick. I think while facing him I felt like, “Okay, this is something I’m not used to.”

After a successful IPL campaign, the Kerala-born batsman says that his next goal is to play for India. Representing the nation is Padikkal’s dream, and he is willing to work on his game to get better. The youngster is waiting for an opportunity to play for India and hopes to grab it with both hands.

“Now the next step would be to play for the country. It’s something everyone dreams of as a cricketer, so I’m looking forward to doing that soon. I’ll continue to work on my game, continue to improve, and, whenever I get the opportunity, I’ll take it with both hands,” Devdutt Padikkal said.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Aakash Chopra Impressed With ‘Selfless’ Mayank Agarwal For Playing Fearlessly