Devdutt Padikkal entered the IPL 2020 season in sublime form, finished as the tournament's emerging player and continued his purple patch for Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare trophies, respectively. The young Royal Challengers Bangalore batting sensation has revealed that he draws inspiration from every single player who has represented India.

Speaking to the Times of India, the Karnataka batsman mentioned who he looks up to as a cricketing role model, as well as some interesting conversations he had with Rahul Dravid.

“For me, there is not one individual who has inspired me. Every person has a separate story and everyone really has gone through with something to get there in their career. I take inspiration from every cricketer who has played for India because getting there is not easy at all,” Devdutt Padikkal told Times of India.

Gambhir is my cricketing role model, says the 21-year-old

“It takes a lot to get there. They have done a lot to reach that level and contributed to the country. But my role model is Gambhir. I have grown up watching him bat. I still watch his videos. I still love his batting. Gambhir is my cricketing role model.”

Padikkal shares insight on how former India captain Rahul Dravid is always ready to provide any kind of advice or help when asked for.

“I have spoken with Rahul (Dravid) sir a few times. Whenever I have the chance, I have met him. I met him at the KSCA most of the time. He is such a humble person. He is ready to give any kind of advice whenever I need it. You can always walk up to him and ask him anything. He has the solution for everything,” he said.

“He always told me that ‘keep working hard, keep learning and keep improving as much as possible. Whenever I met him, I learned something new. It is always nice and great talking to him. Whenever I get time, I go and speak with him. I listen to him carefully,” Padikkal concluded.