IPL 2021: Devdutt Padikkal likely to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad

RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson confirmed that opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal is likely to play the next game against SRH. Ahead of IPL 2021, the Karnataka batsman had tested positive for Covid-19. He was undergoing home quarantine. After returning three negative Covid-19 tests, the youngster joined RCB's team bubble in Chennai. In his first IPL season, Padikkal managed to leave a good impression.

The 22-year-old scored 473 runs from 15 matches at an average of 31.53, with his best score being 74. In the tournament opener, Bangalore missed the services of their opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal. In his absence, RCB went ahead with a new opening pair of Washington Sundar and skipper Virat Kohli. However, Padikkal is now going to be back for the encounter against SRH on 14th April 2021.

RCB won the tournament opener by 2 wickets against MI

After an impressive bowling performance in their IPL 2021 opener against MI, RCB got off to a quick start. Captain Virat Kohli looked in great touch in the Bengaluru-based side's chase of 160. Earlier, it was fast bowler Harshal Patel who picked up his maiden IPL fifer to bundle out Mumbai Indians despite Chris Lynn's fantastic performance. With regular opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal missing out on RCB's first game, Washington Sundar opened the innings with Virat Kohli.

A last-ball thriller saw the Bangalore-based franchise edge past the Mumbai Indians by two wickets in the opening game. Mumbai Indians scored 159/9 on the back of cameos from Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan. The defending champions were dismantled by the 5-wicket haul taken against them by Harshal Patel. He created history by becoming the first bowler to claim a five-wicket haul against the five-time IPL champions. In response, Royal Challengers Bangalore experienced a few difficulties, but they got over the line off the last ball of their innings. RCB's new recruits performed brilliantly in the IPL 2021 season opener. This was precisely what the franchise needed, and they should now ensure that this momentum isn't lost at any point during the league phase.

RCB predicted XI against SRH

Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, AB de Villiers (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Shahbaz Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal.

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