IPL 2020: Parthiv Patel Unlikely To Open As Simon Katich Hints At New Exciting Opening Pair For RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach Simon Katich has hinted at a new opening combination for the team in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since Chris Gayle’s departure, the Bangalore-based outfit has struggled to get a reliable pair at the top.

Last year, Parthiv Patel and skipper Virat Kohli opened for the side in most of the matches. The likes of Moeen Ali and Shimron Hetmyer were also tried out as openers but the duo failed to perform. And it looks like, Royal Challengers Bangalore will have a new opening combination for the upcoming season.

Last year, they roped in Australia captain Aaron Finch who is more than likely to be one of the openers. As far as the second opener is concerned, the choice is between Parthiv and highly-rated Devdutt Padikkal. Well, Simon Katich has hinted at the second opener.

Ahead of the start of IPL 2020, the former Australia batsman has said Devdutt Padikkal has done enough to merit an IPL debut. Padikkal was in stunning form in the last domestic season. He finished as the highest run-scorer in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and Vijay Hazare 50-over tournament and was Karnataka’s top run-scorer in Ranji Trophy.

“We’ve been watching Padikkal a lot. Mike (Hesson) saw him closely at the KPL (Karnataka Premier League) before we made decisions on retention. He dominated in the 50-overs format (Vijay Hazare Trophy), did very well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali, and then followed that up in the Ranji Trophy,” Simon Katich told the reporters on Wednesday.

He further stated that Padikkal being a left-hander further bolsters his case. With his statement, Simon Katich made it pretty clear that Finch and Padikkal are likely to open the innings for the team.

“The fact that he’s a left-hander helps as well — we do like to have right-left combinations. He’s done everything he can to put his hand up to make his IPL debut this year. It’s now up to him to push his case forward. He’s got a bright future. We’re excited by what he can potentially do,” he added.

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