Recently, RCB coach Simon Katich revealed how Virat Kohli acted as a mentor for Devdutt Padikkal. The RCB coach stated that the RCB team management assigned Kohli as Padikkal’s mentor. The RCB team management wanted Kohli to help Padikkal develop and mature as a player. Padikkal was one of the most promising young talents in IPL 2020. Owing to a superb IPL debut season with RCB, Padikkal was awarded the IPL Emerging Player in IPL 2020. The RCB coach added that Kohli specifically asked Padikkal to work more on his fitness. Kohli also shared his experience and the strategies he uses to take on batsman with the youngster. Padikkal struggled with fitness in the IPL last year. After notching 20 or 30 runs for RCB, fatigue kicked in for Devdutt Padikkal. However, this year, Padikkal seems comparatively fitter.
Padikkal has started his IPL season this year in terrific fashion. In just 4 games, Padikkal amassed 171 runs for RCB so far in IPL 2021. This includes a career-best 101* against RR this season. This was Padikkal’s maiden hundred in his IPL career. The 20-year-old credits his success in the IPL to Kohli as well as his coach Simon Katich.
I believe Virat Kohli has all the qualities to become a successful coach in the future - Simon Katich
Virat Kohli is arguably one of the greatest cricketers of this generation. The RCB skipper has proved that he is the best on countless occasions in the past and present. Citing Kolhi’s success as an example, Simon Katich backed Kohli to be a successful coach in the future. Katich believes that Kohli possesses all the essential qualities that a coach needs to be successful. Katich further added that Kohli’s qualities as a captain will help him become a better coach in the future. Kohli has been a successful captain, with both his national team and with RCB.
After a heavy defeat against CSK, RCB will look to get back on track in IPL 2021. Virat Kohli and co will be keen to make it to the IPL playoffs this year. RCB will take on 8th placed SRH today at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With RCB in red hot form, they are expected to win this encounter against Hyderabad.