Padikkal speaks about RCB’s strong start to the season, his confidence after a productive domestic run, improving his strike rate, and preparing for the fixture ahead
Guwahati : Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to build on their encouraging start to the season after securing two consecutive victories, as they head into their first away fixture on Friday, 10 April, where they take on Rajasthan Royals. Devdutt Padikkal, who has been among the runs early in the campaign, believes the team is carrying confidence into the contest.
“We are coming into this game with some confidence. We have really started well this season and hopefully it will be a good game for everyone to watch and hopefully we come out on top as well.”
Reflecting on his own form, the left-hander credited a productive domestic season for helping him carry confidence into the IPL.
“I think it’s a lot to do with the confidence that you get out of scoring a lot of runs. Coming into the season as well, the domestic season I got a lot of runs and I was really consistent with it. Whenever you have that performance behind you I think it gives you that confidence going into the season,” he said.
While maintaining that contributing to team success remains the priority, Padikkal spoke on the work he has put in towards improving his game.
“Over the last couple of years, I have been actively working on trying to improve my strike rate, that’s for sure. I am glad that those processes and that hard work that’s gone behind the scenes are really coming to fruition now. But at the end of the day, it’s important that you play the situation as well. It’s not all about the strike rate. If I am able to contribute to the team winning games, I am very happy.”
RCB will come up against a Rajasthan Royals side that is also undefeated. Padikkal added that the team has been preparing carefully for the opposition attack while ensuring they remain focused on their own plans. “We have our plans for every single bowler that we come up against. Definitely they have a good side, they are some exciting and talented young players, and I am sure it will be a difficult game. At the same time, we must trust our strengths and stick to our positive aspects for as long as possible.”
Though representing India remains his ambition, Padikkal said his focus remains on taking things one game at a time.
“Every cricketer playing in India wants to play for the country and I dream to do the same. At the end of the day it’s important that I don’t really look too far ahead and just enjoy playing the cricket that I am playing right now and take one game at a time and see where that takes me.”
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