Virender Sehwag, former Indian opening batter believes Devdutt Padikkal’s stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) could help Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2. The two franchises will face each other on Friday for a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 final against the Gujarat Titans (GT).

The 22-year-old ventured onto the scene following a successful tenure with the three-time finalists. The youngster was adjudged the Emerging Player of the Year for his exploits in his maiden full season. He scored 473 runs at the top of the order, which included five fifties. After being released by the franchise following another successful IPL 2021, where he scored his first ton, Devdutt Padikkal was roped in by RR for a price of ₹7.75 crores.

Virender Sehwag: Devdutt Padikkal Is The Player To Watch Out For As He Has Played Against RCB’s Bowling Attack At Nets

Devdutt Padikkal was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 20 lacs at the player auction prior to IPL 2019 and that proved to be a game-changer. In his debut season in 2020, he amassed 473 runs with 5 fifties and in 2021, he scored 411 runs with 1 century and 1 fifty. In IPL 2022, he has scored 365 runs in 15 games averaging 24.33 with 1 fifty.

Opining that Devdutt Padikkal’s experience facing the likes of Mohammad Siraj and Harshal Patel in the nets could prove to be useful, Virender Sehwag said: “Devdutt Padikkal is the player to watch out for. He has played against this bowling attack for around 2-3 years in the nets.”

Devdutt Padikkal has had a lukewarm IPL 2022 campaign so far after being deployed largely in the middle order. The left-handed batter is on the cusp of scoring over 400 runs for the third consecutive IPL season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Has An Advantage In Qualifier 2: Both Virender Sehwag And Parthiv Patel Backs Bangalore To Win

RR finds itself in a do-or-die situation following a loss against GT in Qualifier 1 at the Eden Gardens. Their opponents, RCB, made it to Qualifier 2 after a high-octane win over the Lucknow Super Giants.

Believing that RCB has momentum on their side on the back of a solid display against the KL Rahul-led side, Sehwag said: “The way RCB played, the advantage is definitely with them for Qualifier 2. There is no doubt about it. But they will have to play in a similar fashion.”

A memorable hundred by Rajat Patidar followed by a spirited bowling display, especially in the death overs, paved the way for a 14-run RCB win in the Eliminator in their third successive attempt. Rajat Patidar scored a scintillating unbeaten 112, laced by 12 fours and seven sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 207.41 to power RCB to 207/4.

RCB outsmarted LSG by 14 runs as Harshal Patel (1/25) and Josh Hazlewood (3/43) bowled brilliantly in the slog overs. LSG skipper KL Rahul scored 79 off 58 balls but perished in the penultimate over to Josh Hazlewood.

Agreeing that Royal Challengers are favorites since they have a win under their belt, former India wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel said: “RCB have the advantage because they head into the contest on the back of a win, while RR lost. RCB have momentum with them, RR do not.”

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host its first match of the season when RCB will face RR for a spot in the final on May 27 (Friday).