Devdutt Padikkal smashed the ball to all corners of the ground, recording the second-fastest century by an Indian batsman for RCB.
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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Devdutt Padikkal became the first player from the franchise to score a century in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The cricketer surpassed the likes of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers to this notable milestone. Padikkal is the second cricketer to record a ton in the ongoing edition. The 20-year-old recorded the milestone in an IPL 2021 league encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR). He scored a century from 51 deliveries in an innings comprising of 11 boundaries and four sixes. Padikkal finished with an unbeaten 101 from 52 balls, helping RCB chase down a target of 178 runs in 16.3 overs. RCB defeated RR by a margin of 10 wickets, making it four wins in as many matches. Interestingly, RR skipper Sanju Samson was the first batsman to score a ton in the ongoing edition. He scored a century in the franchise’s opening league encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Padikkal’s fifty en route to the milestone was his first in IPL 2021. The 20-year-old’s half-century was completed on the back of eight boundaries and two sixes. Former India pacer Vinay Kumar hailed Padikkal as a player who is “ready to play for Team India”.
“This boy #DevduttPadikkal is ready to play for Team India. What a talent! Treat to watch his six hitting ability. Reminds me of @YUVSTRONG12 @RCBTweets #RCBvRR #IPL2021,” read the tweet.
This boy #DevduttPadikkal is ready to play for Team India. What a talent! Treat to watch his six hitting ability. Reminds me of @YUVSTRONG12 @RCBTweets #RCBvRR #IPL2021
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) April 22, 2021
The clash between RCB and RR marks the 16th match of IPL 2021. The clash further witnessed RCB skipper Kohli become the first batsman to score 6,000 runs in the cash-rich league. The record solidifies Virat’s position as one of the best batters India has ever produced. He still has several years left under his belt. Before the match began, the batsman needed 51 runs to reach the milestone.
However, this was no area of concern for the 32-year-old who went about scoring runs with great confidence, smashing the ball to all corners of the ground. Kohli (72* from 47) will be looking to lead RCB on to a maiden league triumph in this edition.
