Karnataka is a state known to produce an array of cricketing superstars since times immemorial. The KSCA has given Indian cricket a rich lineage of cricketers starring Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, and Rahul Dravid among many others.
The state has always been a dominant force in domestic cricket along with their arch-rivals Mumbai. Karnataka’s formidable lineup includes the likes of KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Mayank Agarwal, and Krishnappa Gowtham.
Amidst the galaxy of the stars, one left-hander who has quietly made a name for himself in the domestic circuit is Devdutt Paddikal. The cricketing fraternity has rated him highly, especially looking at his records in the domestic tournament.
In a recent interaction, Paddikal was asked about the cricketer who he idolized growing up. To which, the classy southpaw named former Indian batsmen Gautam Gambhir and it was due to his valiant knocks in the two World Cup finals.
“I have always said my role model in batting is Gautam Gambhir. I have grown up watching him bat and really enjoyed each and every innings of his. The innings in the World Cup final can never be overlooked. He is such a good player at pressure situations,” Padikkal told India today.
Further, the 19-year-old was asked about the lessons he learnt while rubbing shoulders with Virat Kohli during his stint at RCB earlier.
“I spoke to Virat a couple of times during the IPL. There’s so much to learn from him. The kind of passion and determination he had towards the game. The commitment he had. He always kept the team ahead of him. He always wanted the team to win and he would do anything for that. That was so heartening to see and you know, that something I try to pick up from him,” concluded Paddikal.
