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A new kid on the block from Karnataka made it into the headlines in the 2019 IPL edition when he outscored Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers to become RCB’s leading run getter in UAE with 476 runs. Having being under the guidance of Rahul Dravid, Devdutt Padikkal showed his class and confidence in front of the best bowlers in the world. Padikkal impressed a lot of people, including Indian cricket legend, Sunil Gavaskar.
Devdutt Padikkal went onto score his maiden IPL Century in blistering fashion to lead RCB to a 10-wicket victory against Rajasthan Royals in Match 16 of the IPL 2021. Not only did Devdutt Padikkal scored 101 of just 52 balls at a strike rate of 194.2, Virat Kohli’s 71* was completely glommed under the shadow of the 20-year-old's power-packed innings.
Sunil Gavaskar showers praise on Devdutt Padikkal
After Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden IPL ton, Sunil Gavaskar made a big statement and predicted that the young Karnataka batsman will play all three formats for India in future.
“Won’t be surprised to see Devdutt Padikkal playing in all three formats for India”, Gavaskar said after the match.
“If Devdutt Padikkal can have a brilliant technique and temperament, he can have a very successful career in front of him”, the former cricketer further added.
Padikkal's hot form started in the 2019-20 domestic season when he compiled 58 runs against Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He then smashed his maiden list A ton against Saurashtra and followed it up with another unbeaten century in the next game against Goa.