Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal recalled his recent experience when he happened to play for India. The left handed opener, who is currently in UAE for second phase of IPL 2021, made his T20I debut for India during the tour to Sri Lanka in July. In a recent video shared by RCB on social media, the 21-year old opened upon his feelings on receiving the Indian jersey.
Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal Interview Part 1 @devdpd07 talks about his India debut, role RCB has played to fast track his growth, and spending time with Rahul Dravid, on @myntra presents Bold Diaries.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #BoldDiaries pic.twitter.com/P3P1KJYaV8
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 10, 2021
“It (the Indian jersey) was given to us in the room when we were in quarantine. For 4-5 hours I was just wearing that jersey as soon as I got it. I was just clicking pictures and sending it to my parents and friends. I was just very excited as soon as I got it,” Padikkal said in the video.
Having played for India at such a tender age, he became the first Indian player born after the year 2000 to receive India’s call up. The star player also recalled an incident from his childhood where he refused to wear India’s dummy cap that his parents brought from the store.
“I still remember once that my parents brought me an Indian cap from the stores. They gave it to me but I refused to wear it. I won’t wear it until I get the actual one.”
Further, Padikkal mentioned that it was his coach- Mr Nasir who had sent him the screenshot of the team first which had his name. The RCB player said that he took no time to call him up which was then followed by good wishes from all ends. Padikkal has been coaching with him ever since he was 11 years old.
