Devdutt Padikkal news: RCB opener joins squad after testing negative for COVID-19 ahead of IPL 2021 opener vs MI

Devdutt Padikkal: The Virat Kohli-led franchise would be relieved to get back the services of their in-form opening batsman.

Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal has joined the squad after testing negative for COVID-19 in a massive relief for the team and their fans.

Padikkal, 20, had tested positive on March 22 and had been quarantining at his Bengaluru home since then. Following BCCI’s protocol for COVID-19 positive players, Padikkal returned a couple of negative tests to join the rest of the squad in Chennai. In addition to two negative tests, a player is also tested for COVID-19 upon reaching the team hotel.

With Royal Challengers set to take on defending champions Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021 season opener on Friday, Padikkal’s return is a huge boost for the franchise as he is a sure-starter as captain Virat Kohli’s opening partner this season.

Padikkal, who made his IPL debut last season, had top-scored for the franchise with his 473 runs coming at an average and strike rate of 31.53 and 124.80 respectively and also comprising of as many as five half-centuries.

Devdutt Padikkal joins RCB squad after testing negative for COVID-19

Bangalore shared the development via a video posted across their social media handles. “First of all I want to thank everyone for their wishes and prayers. It is really important and means a lot to me.

“As per BCCI and IPL protocol, I had to quarantine at home for two weeks. But now I have joined the camp after two negative tests and I am feeling completely fine now, and I just can’t wait to get back out there and join the RCB camp,” Padikkal said in the video.

Apart from Padikkal, Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana, Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel and Royal Challengers all-rounder Daniel Sams have also tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of IPL 2021.