Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, praises Devdutt Padikkal’s exceptional form in the ongoing 2026 IPL, stating that Padikkal’s performance may secure him a spot in the Indian team for an extended period. Padikkal’s recent 50 off 29 balls, marking his second consecutive half-century this season, was instrumental in RCB’s formidable total of 250/3 against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), leading them to a 43-run victory.
Karthik highlights Padikkal’s resilience and patience, emphasizing his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and play sensible cricketing shots. He commends Padikkal’s leadership qualities within the Karnataka team, noting his valuable contributions despite his young age of 25. Karthik also lauds Tim David, whose explosive 70 not out off 25 balls, including eight sixes, significantly boosted RCB’s performance against CSK.
Describing Tim David as a gifted ball striker with a smooth swing and strong hitting abilities, Karthik stresses the importance of consistency in David’s practice to maximize his potential. Despite batting in the middle order and facing limited deliveries during matches, David’s consistent performance over the past year and a half has established him as one of the top batters globally in this format.
