1 week Ago By Sruti Thakur
Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash against Delhi Capitals, spin bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan praised Devdutt Padikkal’s performances so far and expressed hope that he maintains his consistency as the tournament unfolds furtherRCB is currently at the third position on the poinst table with six wins out of nine games. After their first win at home, RCB will aim to get back at DC for the loss they suffered at home when they meet at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Delhi Capitals is at the second positipn with six wins and two defeats.
After a roller coaster beginning to the IPL season, Padikal found his consistency as a big hitter in the third position as he scored trwo consecutive fifties against Punajb Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).Padikkal has scored 230 runs in eight matches so far at an average of 32.85, with a strike rate of over 156 and two half-centuries.
After being purchased by RCB for Rs two crores in the mega auction of last year, Padikkal has taken to a counter-attacking role, unlike the opener position he played in the 2020 and 2021 seasons during his initial stint with RCB, where he scored 473 and 411 runs respectively, including a century and six fifties.In the pre-match press conference, Malolan mentioned, as per an RCB press release, that RCB was seeking a left-handed batter during the auction. He added that it was definitely an advantage that Padikkal had previously played for RCB and had a lot of experience, especially batting alongside Virat Kohli.
“When Devdutt was with RCB, he had two stellar years. He scored close to 500 runs. He has had an unfortunate runoff form in the last three years, but again, just with the way we prepared in the auction, we were very clear about wanting a left-hander.
And Devdutt sat conveniently for us on day two. I am not going to beat around the bush and say that we went for him right away and we got him on day two,” said Malolan.“The benefit of having worked with him before, myself and a lot of players, even Virat, who has batted a lot with him.
So, having the comfort of knowing that Devdutt is available to be picked up later helped, number one, that is as far as the auction is concerned,” he added.“He was very hungry and he has been very receptive to a lot of technical and tactical ideas both Dinesh Karthik and Andy Flower have thrown at him. And finally, the way he has gone and batted for us.
”“There have been a couple of tricky situations and tricky conditions also. He has taken the bull by the horns and batted exceedingly well. But again, this is just nine games done and the business half of the tournament is still there and we are filled with optimism both for Devdutt and for the team,” he concludedThe post ‘He has taken the bull by the horns.
..’: RCB spin bowling coach praises Devdutt Padikkal’s hunger and consistency appeared first on Cricket Country.
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