After scoring his maiden IPL century, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s talented opener Devdutt Padikkal said that he was keen to play for his side and helped the team win. His comments came as he missed the first game of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season owing to COVID-19. Padikkal had affected by the virus before the start of the league but he returned in the second game against SunRisers Hyderabad. And, on Thursday he scored an unbeaten 101 to help RCB register a convincing 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.
“It’s been special. I could only wait my turn. When I was down with COVID, all I was thinking of ways to come here and play the first match here. I couldn’t do that but was keen to contribute to the team’s win,” Padikkal said at the post-match presentation. “The ball 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.”
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While chasing 178, Padikkal and the captain Virat Kohli (72*) put up a great show with the bat and both the openers took the team to the finish line in 16.3 overs. Padikkal scored 101 runs in just 52 balls with 11 fours and 6 sixes whereas Kohli has supported the youngster and hit 3 sixes and 7 fours in his 47-ball knock. With this, he also became the first batsman to complete 6,000 runs in the cash-rich league as well.
While he was asked if he was nervous, Padikkal said: “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 the team’s wins. Throughout the innings, there were times when he (Kohli) was going better and then I was going better. Rotation of strike is important. We just clicked well.”
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With this win, RCB are now returned to the top of the points table after winning all four games. They will next play against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, April 25.
