IPL 2021: 3 Players Who Can Replace Devdutt Padikkal In RCB's Playing XI For The First Match

Devdutt Padikkal has tested positive for Covid-19 and will be missing the first few games in IPL 2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore will have to find a substitute for Devdutt Padikkal, who plays as an opener in the team. Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their first match of IPL 2021 against Mumbai Indians on April 9, 2021. The match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Devdutt Padikkal made a splendid debut in the Indian Premier League last year. The Karnataka cricketer Padikkal was the highest run-scorer for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The left-handed batsman scored 473 runs in 15 matches along with 5 half-centuries. He was also the 8th highest run-scorer in the tournament and was awarded emerging player of the tournament for his spectacular batting. As Devdutt Padikkal will not be available for the opening game against Mumbai Indians, here we look at 3 players who can replace Devdutt Padikkal in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s playing XI in the first match.

IPL 2021: 3 Players Who Can Replace Devdutt Padikkal In RCB’s Playing XI for The First Match

Sachin Baby

Sachin Baby is one player who can replace Devdutt Padikkal in the playing XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match. Sachin Baby made his debut in IPL 2013 and has played for teams like Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has played a total of 18 matches in IPL 2013, IPL 2016, and IPL 2017. He has scored 137 runs IPL so far.

Mohammed Azharuddeen

Royal Challengers Bangalore bought Mohammed Azharuddeen in IPL 2021 auction. He is a wicket-keeper batsman who will make a debut in IPL 2021. Mohammed Azharuddeen plays for Kerala domestic team. In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2020-21, Azharuddeen smashed a century from 37 balls and became the first batsman from Kerala to smash a century in a T20 match. In 24 T20 matches, right-handed batsman Azharuddeen has scored 451 runs at an average of 22. He is a powerful hitter who can be a nice option to replace Devdutt Padikkal in the first match of IPL 2021.

KS Bharat

Royal Challengers Bangalore bought KS Bharat for Rs. 20 lakh in IPL 2021 auction. The 27-year-old cricketer plays for Andhra Pradesh at the domestic level. He was part of the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2015 but did not play any match. He is also a wicket-keeper batsman. In November 2019, KS Bharat was a backup wicketkeeper for India’s Test squad against Bangladesh. He was also part of India’s Test squad against Australia in January 2020. So far, KS Bharat has played 48 T20 matches in which he has scored 730 runs. He is another option for Royal Challengers Bangalore to replace Devdutt Padikkal in the first match against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021.