RCB in trouble as Devdutt Padikkal likely to miss the first two games

RCB has suffered a massive blow as their star batsman Devdutt Padikkal continues to remain positive for COVID-19. This makes him the third Indian player to test positive for the virus just a week ahead of the tournament. The Karnataka lad is likely to miss the team's first two matches of IPL 2021. RCB will play the season opener against defending champions Mumbai Indians on Friday (April 9). Padikkal tested positive for COVID-19 on March 22, before the RCB team was scheduled to assemble in Chennai for their first three IPL games. The 20-year-old did not join the squad and had been undergoing self-isolation at his Bengaluru residence.

Padikkal was in great form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 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. In his second season in the Indian Premier League, the left-hander won hearts with his consistency, temperament, and maturity. The 20-year-old scored 473 runs in his 15 IPL matches at an average of 31.53.

RCB likely to revamp their playing XI in the absence of Devdutt Padikkal

Bangalore's preparatory camp for the 14th IPL season is in full throttle under the guidance of the director of cricket operations, Mike Hesson, and batting coach Simon Katich. RCB fans were excited over the prospect of Devdutt Padikkal opening the batting along with captain Virat Kohli. Now that the young batsman hasn't yet joined the team, RCB is in a dilemma to rearrange their playing XI for the Friday clash. 

The franchise has two potential openers in its ranks. This includes Kerala's star batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen and the latest Kiwi sensation, Finn Allen. Allen has been included in the team as a replacement for Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe. Notably, Azharuddeen featured in the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He accumulated 214 runs in just five matches, including an unbeaten 137 off 54 balls against Mumbai. On the other hand, Finn Allen smashed a 29-ball 71 in the third T20I against Bangladesh last week. However, including Allen in the playing XI would come at a cost, as RCB would then have to revamp their set of four overseas cricketers along with their batting line-up.

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