IPL 2021: Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal to open for RCB, confirms Mike Hesson

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is probably one of the most followed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) throughout the year. And the franchise also makes sure to keep the fans updated about every development in the team via social media and their official website. Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson is at the helm of most of the decisions taken and every now and then, he features in videos.

Hesson is actively involved in picking players and strategising things in RCB and this time around, he has confirmed that Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal will open the innings for the team in IPL 2021. Kohli had informed the same in the post-match presentation after the 5th T20I against England.

For the sake of team combination, India had dropped KL Rahul and the Indian skipper opened with Rohit Sharma which reaped rich rewards. Kohli had scored an unbeaten 80 of 52 deliveries while expressing his wish to open more.

” I am going to open in the IPL as well. Have batted in different positions in the past. But I feel we have a solid middle-order now. Will definitely like to partner Rohit at the top. Other guys feel a lot more confident when one of us is still in and is set. Augurs well for the team,” the 31-year-old had said then.

Kohli’s record opening is phenomenal, says Mike Hesson

Virat Kohli opening the innings is very good news for RCB as well. They tried Aaron Finch and Josh Philippe at the top with Devdutt Padikkal last season but it didn’t work. Mike Hesson, while confirming the opening duo of RCB for IPL 2021, also highlighted Kohli’s record while opening the innings.

“We are looking forward to seeing Padikkal – Kohli opening the batting, the record of Kohli is phenomenal after he gets through the powerplay and we saw how well he did in the 5th T20 after opening the batting,” he said according to RCB’s official website.