Devdutt Padikkal: Ultimategoal is to play Test cricket for India
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Devdutt Padikkal has been a sensation in IPL this year,scoring 472 runs and playing and important part in Royal ChallengersBangalore’s journey of reaching the play-offs in UAE this year.
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Devdutt Padikkal on what the IPL season means to him, hisequation with Virat Kohli and what his ultimate dream as a cricketer is? Readthis exclusive interview.
Q1. This years IPL season was different in more ways thanone? How would you describe it?
It’s been a completely different IPL in comparison towhat we are use to. It was a unique experience for everybody but we are allvery grateful that we could play some cricket. It has been a great experiencefor all of us to be a part of the biggest T20 tournament in the world.
Q.2. Devdutt, you have had quite the season. Frombreaking Shreyas Iyer’s record of scoring most runs in a debut season (472) toWinning Emerging player of the season.
Yes, definitely. It has been a really great season for meand it was something that I had been waiting to achieve for a long time becauseI had a great domestic season and I knew I was ready for this tournament. To behonest, I was really looking forward to this season and to be able to make animpact instantly is a dream come true.
Q.3. Tell us your equation with Virat Kohli and theatmosphere in the Royal Challengers Bangalore dressing room in the last coupleof months?
The season was great for the franchise overall,challenging but to have a season like this has been commendable. Atmosphere inthe team has been really amazing, especially because we have been together for threemonths. Virat Kohli is one of the greats of the game and sharing a dressingroom with him and learn from him feels good. It’s not just about learning or onfield tips from him though, the way he carries himself, the mass appeal he has,the dedication, the way he gives his 100% to anything he does is justincredible and makes it so special. It is something we can all look forward to.Every youngster can learn so much from Virat Kohli.
Q.4. The RCB batting line up is laden with stars - fromVirat to AB to many others, was it difficult carving a niche for yourself?
It's not about pressure at all. I enjoy playing at thislevel and that's what is important. I'm fortunate to have the support of ViratBhaiya (Kohli), he's there at every step of the way for me and I enjoy battingwith him. In the end, it's important that I justify the opportunity that I havebeen given to play for the team and win it for them.
Q.5. Many former greats of the game have heaped praiseson you and look at you as a future opener for the Indian cricket team, how doyou react to this?
I haven't had the opportunity to see comments of formergreats of the game about my innings in IPL but I just need to keep performingwell. There is no clarity on domestic season yet, we have no concreteinformation on it and are waiting because it's important to take up allopportunities coming your way.
Q.6. Lastly, What is your ultimate goal as a cricketer?
Test cricket is what defines a cricketer, it's theultimate challenge for any cricketer. To be able to play test cricket for Indiais something I will try to do in the future.
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