Devdutt Padikkal had a stellar debut IPL season as he scored 473 runs for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Heading into the new season, can Padikkal continue on his merry way in the Sixer Market? Let's find out!When RCB bought a relative unknown in Padikkal in 2018 for a mere INR 10 lakhs, not many were aware of his enormous potential. Although he was a U-19 prodigy, he indeed came to the fore courtesy of his performances for Karnataka in the white-ball formats. He top-scored in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2018-19 season that made him a viable option for RCB. While Padikkal had to wait for his opportunity to make a debut in the IPL, no thanks to COVID, he has grabbed the chance with both hands!As already mentioned, Padikkal did star in the domestic competitions. But the IPL is a different ball game for many cricketers. But not for Padikkal! He smashed a fifty on debut for RCB against SRH, and he didn't slow down from there. In fifteen matches, only one of four players to play all RCB games in IPL 2020, Padikkal scored 473 runs. Among the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, it was Padikkal who top-scored for RCB and guided them to a top-four finish. His match score average of 58.91 is the highest for any rookie in the IPL, with the southpaw even scoring five fifties in the season. While his strike-rate of 124.8 is on the lower side, his ability to play quality pace and spin equally well makes him an asset for RCB.There are concerns over his ability to the turn the heat on the oppositions after he gets set. However, one must take into consideration that it was just his first season playing in the IPL, with his returns being second to none in history. In fact, his fantasy price has never fallen below the 60-Sixer Coins mark, something that might entice fantasy shareholders into shortlisting the southpaw ahead of the IPL. His all-time high of 106.99 Sixer Coins is the highest for any uncapped player in the Indian circuit, making him one to watch out for in the IPL.But it isn't just about the IPL for Padikkal. His recent form in the domestic competitions is quite impressive. Padikkal scored 737 runs in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 games, second to only Prithvi Shaw's 827 runs. His returns in the Syed Mushtaq Ali were also decent, with 218 runs in six outings, doing his stock no harm. With form and potential on his side, Padikkal could be in for a big second season in the IPL for RCB. With Virat Kohli also shifting to the top of the order, Padikkal will be relieved of some pressure to perform, allowing him to open up and express himself even more. But the question is if he can overcome the second season syndrome? Though he has all the tools to succeed, only time will tell if he can truly make a mark on the IPL and elevate himself into national team conversations. But one thing's for sure. The sky is the limit for young Devdutt Padikkal in world cricket!
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