Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s left-handed batter, Devdutt Padikkal, shared how opening with Virat Kohli during his debut IPL season provided him with valuable insights on constructing innings. Padikkal, a key player for RCB, has amassed 412 runs in 13 matches with an impressive strike rate of 173.11, securing their spot in the 2026 IPL playoffs.
Padikkal expressed gratitude towards Kohli, stating that observing the legendary player’s innings helped him understand the art of building a knock effectively. He also acknowledged the support staff for aiding him in refining his game, especially in transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket.
Reflecting on RCB’s strong batting lineup, Padikkal emphasized the importance of playing with freedom at the top while also shouldering responsibility to maintain momentum. He highlighted the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where sacrificing one’s wicket strategically can benefit the team significantly.
Padikkal discussed his adaptability, learned from experiences at Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, where he had to adjust to batting in different positions. He emphasized the significance of bouncing back from setbacks, acknowledging the need for continuous evolution and learning in a cricketer’s journey.
Hailing the talent of teenaged opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Padikkal recognized his unique abilities but stressed the importance of focusing on personal strengths rather than comparing oneself to others in a tournament filled with talented players.
