I won't be surprised if Devdutt Padikkal plays for India soon: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar believes that young opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal will soon represent the Indian national team. The Karnataka batsman played a blistering knock of 101* off 52 balls. Padikkal and skipper Virat Kohli guided the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a 10-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. Gavaskar opines that Padikkal carries all the skills needed to succeed at the international level. The former Indian batsman also praised Karnataka's cricket set-up. He highlighted how the Indian state had produced some brilliant batsmen over the years. Over the years, Karnataka has produced some of the finest cricketers, including Gundappa Vishwanath, Rahul Dravid, and KL Rahul, who has represented India at the highest level.

Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Rajasthan Royals on Thursday to win their fourth game in a row. RCB limited RR to a total of 177 runs. For RCB, Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel impressed with their bowling. But the real star of the day was young batsman Devdutt Padikkal. The youngster slammed his maiden IPL century against RR at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Devdutt Padikkal smashed 101 runs and helped Bangalore chase down the target in just 16.3 overs. It was an impressive performance from the left-hander as he slammed 6 sixes and 11 boundaries during his 52-ball unbeaten knock.

Devdutt Padikkal was the highest run-scorer for RCB in IPL 2020

Devdutt Padikkal was in blistering form in the esteemed Vijay Hazare Trophy this year. He also emerged as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. The 20-year-old amassed 737 runs from seven games at an average of 147.40. For the unversed, Devdutt Padikkal developed as one of the biggest revelations of IPL 2020, courtesy of his fine run at the top order for the Bengaluru franchise. Padikkal amassed 473 runs in 15 IPL matches at an average of 31.53. The Karnataka batsman also created the record for most runs scored by an uncapped cricketer in a debut IPL edition. The 20-year-old won the emerging Player award in IPL 2020 as he helped Bangalore reach the playoffs.

With four victories from as many outings so far, RCB is among the favorites to secure a playoff spot. They are presently leading the points table with 8 points. Virat Kohli & Co. will now play against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

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