3 Batsmen Who can Open for RCB in place of Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal is in quarantine after being tested positive for COVID-19 and is likely to miss the first match against Mumbai Indians on 9th April. His comeback is subject to him testing negative and his recovery time to full fitness. Last year Ruturaj Gaikwad missed a good half of the tournament due to COVID-19 and has made a impactful comeback in the later half of the tourney.

In these uncertain times RCB would be seeking solace in some back up opener options to bat with Virat Kohli, who has hinted that he will be opening for the franchise this season. Here are our top 3 picks who can take Devdutt Padikkal’s place before his comeback:

MOHAMMED AZHARUDDEEN

Kerala’s Mohammaded Azharuddeen got all the attention during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament when he struck a 37-ball century against the mighty Mumbai. He remained unbeaten on 137 runs in 54 balls with the help of 9 fours & 11 sixes.

Azharuddeen is also a wicket keeper and with his dashing role at top, Virat Kohli can take his time to get to his groove in the innings.

SRIKAR BHARAT

Srikar Bharat opens for his state team Andhra in T20 cricket. His knock of 62 in 34 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament caught every one’s imagination post which he was picked up by RCB in the IPL 2021 Auction.

Bharat also keeps wickets and that will relieve AB de Villiers from the glove duties. Batting with Virat Kohli at top can unleash his true potential.

FINN ALLEN

New Zealand’s fresh talent replaced Josh Philippe and he is already creating waves. The 21-year-old has struck 71 runs in 29 balls in a T20 International match before leaving for IPL.

Finn Allen is a wicket keeper batsman known for his aggressive role as opener with a T20 career strike rate of 187.68. If he can shed off his maiden IPL nerves and strike the way he can – he is set to cause nightmares to the bowling attacks.

Other options include Rajat Patidar of Madhya Pradesh and Sachin Baby of Kerala who are both top order/middle order batsmen with lesser experience in the opening department. RCB will take on Mumbai Indians in the first match on 9th April at Chennai.