IPL 2021: Devdutt Padikkal joins RCB ahead of the opening game against MI

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been boosted with their opener Devdutt Padikkal joining the team ahead of their season opener against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 9. Padikkal had tested positive for COVID-19 on March 22 and was in isolation at his home in Bengaluru.

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He followed all the protocols set by BCCI after being contracted with the virus and has returned the negative tests since then. He joined RCB on April 7 (Wednesday) and seems set to play in the first game for the team. This comes as good news for the franchise after Sams tested positive earlier in the day and has mostly ruled out for two matches.

"We are pleased to inform that Royal Challengers Bangalore, Left-handed Batsman Devdutt Paddikal, has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports for COVID-19 as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being," RCB said in a statement according to Cricbuzz.

I am completely fine now, says Devdutt Padikkal

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RCB also posted a video on Twitter with Devdutt Padikkal assuring his fans that he is completely fine now and is only joining the team after following all the required protocols set by the BCCI.

"As per BCCI and IPL protocol, I had to quarantine at home for two weeks. Now I have joined the camp after two negative tests, and I am feeling completely fine now, and I just can't wait to get back out there and join the RCB camp," he said in the video.

Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal joins the RCB camp after testing negative for COVID-19. He’s healthy, feeling better and raring to go. Here’s a message to all RCB fans from Devdutt.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/BtVszNABJW

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021

Devdutt Padikkal was the highest run-getter of the season for RCB in IPL 2020 and the southpaw was in great form in the domestic circuit as well.