IPL 2021: "Coming out of Covid was a big challenge" - Devdutt Padikkal after his maiden IPL hundred

After racking up his maiden IPL hundred, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Devdutt Padikkal that admitted beating the coronavirus was a 'big challenge'.

Devdutt Padikkal missed out on RCB's first game of the season as he contracted the virulent disease before the tournament began. The southpaw had to undergo a quarantine and multiple tests before rejoining the squad.

Since his comeback, Devdutt Padikkal has scored 137 runs at an average of 68.50, including the 52-ball ton against the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. This knock helped RCB to a flawless 10-wicket win.

Speaking after the game, the southpaw expressed his delight in contributing to the team's success in the tournament.

"Coming out of Covid was definitely a big challenge and I was really glad that I could contribute to the team from the second game. So as long as I am contributing and the team is winning, that's all that matters to me," said Devdutt Padikkal in a virtual press conference.

Virat Kohli is a damn gentleman! Hear what he had to say about getting Devdutt Padikkal to his century. Well played boys. Beautiful partnership. #RCBvRR #RCB pic.twitter.com/Lhz29IG54r

— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) April 22, 2021

Devdutt Padikkal's record-breaking ton included 11 boundaries and 6 maximums. His unbeaten 181-run stand with skipper Virat Kohli is the highest opening partnership for the Bangalore franchise. Moreover, their chase of RR's total of 178 is the third-highest total chased in the tournament without losing a wicket.

I am not trying to do anything different or special: Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli (L) shared a record-breaking opening partnership. (PC: Twitter)

Speaking on his innings, Devdutt Padikkal said he wasn't trying to do anything extraordinary but just sticking to his processes.

"To be honest, I have only looked to keep things simple throughout the last 2 seasons. I am not trying to do anything different or special. I have just tried to stick to my processes every game and tried to stay as consistent as possible. And, thankfully, I have been able to do that," said Devdutt Padikkal.

Devdutt Padikkal and RCB will now play arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.

Fantastic innings from young Padikkal. And this year @RCBTweets are in ominous form, which is great to see. Kohli and Padikkal made it look very easy. #RCBvRR pic.twitter.com/fIUC9lImjP

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 22, 2021