IPL 2022: Kumar Sangakkara Sir Told Me I'm Capable Of Doing Special Things - Devdutt Padikkal

Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Devdutt Padikkal has praised the head coach and director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, for the way he communicates and the confidence he gives ahead of each game.

Sangakkara’s appointment has helped RR in many ways considering they are a youth-filled bunch of cricketers needing guidance. The Sri Lankan is the perfect person to nurture the talents and Padikkal elaborated on the same.

“The way he communicates with us is spot on. Just the other day we were discussing something and he was giving us the pre-match talk. And whenever he does that, he doesn’t even jitter once. And when he does that, I find it remarkable.”

“He is perfect throughout. The fact that he has command over his language – that matters a lot. The way he talks and puts himself across is fascinating. Sanga sir told me I am capable of doing special things out there,” Padikkal said on ‘The Royals Podcast’.

“It was Sanga who told me that I will be starting off at No. 3” – Devdutt Padikkal

Notably, Padikkal has been opening for his domestic team, Karnataka, and for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the previous season. However, knowing RR will have their opening slots filled, Padikkal prepared himself to play at No.3 instead.

“Just talking to him and how he went about his game is something I have looked forward to since the moment I knew I was joining Rajasthan.

“In fact, once I got to the team, it was Sanga who told me that I will be starting off at No. 3. I sort of came in expecting that. I knew my role in the season. But I was ready for it,” he further added.

RR is well set to qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs and they have a chance to finish in the top two when they play their final game against Chennai Super Kings on Friday.

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