Sehwag Hopes Padikkal To Spot Into India’s 2021 T20-WC Team

Former Indian legend cricketer Virender Sehwag believes Devdutt Padikkal has an opportunity to make his way into the national team for the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Having made his T20I debut versus Sri Lanka in July, Padikkal was not picked in India’s team for the global competition which was announced earlier this month.

Sehwag, on the other hand, believes the 21-year-old may get into the team if he succeeds to his ability in the 2nd leg of IPL 2021. Sehwag also said that Padikkal, alongside KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are the guys to watch out for in the IPL 2021.

“My first choice will be Ishan Kishan followed by Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson. These four I will be intently watching. I have loved Devdutt’s batting and if I have to pick one amongst the four, he is my man,” Sehwag said.

“Who knows, if he does well, he might be drafted in as that Indian top-order for the T20 World Cup,” — He said.

I will not be surprised if there are some changes in the original squad: Sehwag

Despite a sluggish start to his international career, Padikkal has been a breakthrough for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. Earlier in 2020, he made his first appearance and wowed the crowd with some dazzling top-order knocks.

Padikkal has 195 runs from 6 innings with a strike rate of more than 152 in the 2021 tournament. Against the Rajasthan Royals, the left-hander also smashed a century.

“100%. We have around seven matches minimum left for the teams. That means you still have a platform to perform and those who are on the fringes could still impress the Indian selectors who would be watching the tournament closely. Since ICC allows a window to change teams, I will not be surprised if there are some changes in the original squad,” Sehwag added.