IPL 2021: “It's Been Special,” Says Devdutt Padikkal On His Maiden IPL Century

Devdutt Padikkal, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), scored his maiden IPL century against Rajasthan Royals in the 16^th match of the IPL 2021 which was played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The 20-year-old made 101* in just 52 balls with 11 fours and 6 sixes to his name, as Royal Challengers Bangalore chased down a decent total of 178 runs set by the Rajasthan Royals with quiet disdain. Padikkal’s 52-ball ton was the fastest by an uncapped player in Indian Premier League history.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli came back into form with the willow with a stunning display of both restraint and aggression as he smoked 72* in 47 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes to his name, as RCB made 181/0 in just 16.3 overs and went on the top of the points table with 4 win in 4 matches played and 8 points to their name.

For Me It’s Not About Getting To A Hundred, I Wouldn’t Mind Missing Out On Hundreds As Long As I Contribute To Team’s Wins: Devdutt Padikkal

Padikkal who hails from Karnataka had made his IPL debut in IPL 2020 and slammed 473 runs with 5 half-centuries and a best of 74 at an average of 31.53. This was the most runs by a batsman in his debut year of the Indian Premier League. He then had a terrific Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and then made four consecutive centuries in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Tournament for Karnataka.

Unfortunately, he was found COVID-19 positive before the IPL 2021 began and he missed the first match for the RCB. However, he has come out hammering the bowlers and registered an amazing century for the RCB team as they went to the top of the points table in IPL 2021.

“It’s been special. I could only wait my turn. When I was down with COVID, all I was thinking of was to come here and play the first match here. I couldn’t do that but was keen to contribute to the team’s win. The wicket was coming on really well and we got a good start. When you get into a partnership like that, it helps as runs come from both ends.

(Whether he was worried about the 100) Not really, that’s what I was telling Virat to go for it. For me it’s not about getting to a hundred, I wouldn’t mind missing out on hundreds as long as I contribute to team’s wins. Throughout the innings there were times when he was going better and then I was going better. Rotation of strike is important. We just clicked well,” Padikkal said after winning the Man of the Match award.

RCB will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Mumbai on April 25 in a day encounter.

Also Read: Twitter In Awe Of Devdutt Padikkal As The Left-Hander Smashes His Maiden IPL Ton