Devdutt Padikkal looks like a special talent: Krishnamachari Srikkanth

NEW DELHI: Former Indian captain and opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth lauded Devdutt Padikkal for his knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL opener.
In his column for the Times of India, Srikkanth wrote, "I was mighty impressed by what I saw of Devdutt Padikkal in his first game. Adapting to a bigger stage is never easy and the youngster showed the right attitude in registering a match-winning performance.For keen followers of domestic cricket, Padikkal's performance might have not come as a surprise. What struck me most about the 20-year-old was that he staying still and playing the ball late. Offering a straight bat is always an advantage but that didn't bring down his scoring areas. A good all-round batsman, Padikkal looks to have that extra second against the seamers, so crucial for an opener."
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Padikkal made an impressive IPL debut with a scintillating fifty displaying a wide range of shots and confidence in striking the ball hard and clean. The 20-year-old scored a 42-ball 56 to help Bangalore post 163/5 against Hyderabad.
"If the knock against Hyderabad is any indication, Padikkal should go some distance. My only wish is, he be left alone and allowed to play his natural, free-flowing game," Srikkanth added.
Srikkanth also praised Sanju Samson who pulverised the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday night, setting up a Rajasthan Royal's win with his blistering 32-ball 74-run knock, studded with nine sixes and a boundary.
"We have seen in the past how early and unfair comparisons can dent careers. All the games so far have lived up to the billing, including the one between Chennai and Rajasthan. Thanks to Sanju Samson's brilliance, his team opened with a win against mighty Chennai. Yes, it was a flat track, no doubt, but that should not take anything away from the excellent knock Samson played. Samson's task going ahead could be a little difficult as the other wickets are not this conducive for strokeplay. The wicket in Dubai is different and run making won't be this easy and Rajasthan might have to alter their approach a bit," Srikkanth wrote.
For Thursday's match between Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Srikkanth hoped that Punjab will put behind their Super Over defeat against Delhi Capitals in their IPL opener and start afresh against Bangalore.
"Coming to Thursday's match, Punjab should quickly get out of their narrow loss to Delhi. In my opinion, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman should come in place of Chris Jordan. The conditions should also favour the young Afghani. Looks like Bangalore have their bases covered and to see them win without a major contribution from Virat Kohli must have worked wonders for their confidence. With all the teams shaping up well, this should be an exciting tournament throughout," Srikkanth concluded.