Devdutt Padikkal lauded his teammate Virat Kohli for his unbeaten century that led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket triumph over Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026. Kohli’s impressive 105 not out off 60 balls guided RCB to chase down 193 runs with five balls to spare at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
Padikkal, who contributed with a crucial 39 runs in a significant 92-run partnership with Kohli, expressed admiration for Kohli’s ability to handle pressure situations and game tempo, making batting alongside him a smooth experience. The young player emphasized the privilege of having Kohli in their team, describing it as a special opportunity to witness greatness up close.
Reflecting on Kohli’s exceptional innings, Padikkal highlighted the captain’s remarkable control and strokeplay, particularly praising a straight drive that left a lasting impression. The victory propelled RCB to the top of the points table, setting a positive tone for the team as they approach the final phase of the league stage.
Padikkal emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in the tournament’s crucial stages, especially after overcoming setbacks in previous matches. He credited the team’s focus on rectifying minor errors for their turnaround against KKR, highlighting the significance of attention to detail in achieving favorable results.
As RCB gears up to face Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, a venue with personal significance for Padikkal, the young cricketer expressed eagerness for the upcoming match. Fondly recalling receiving his Test cap at the venue, Padikkal looks forward to another potential victory, aiming to continue the team’s winning momentum.
