Royal Challengers Bengaluru batsman Devdutt Padikkal has credited former captain Virat Kohli for helping him learn how to construct innings in T20 cricket.
Padikkal made the comments on May 22, 2026, ahead of a crucial IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The defending champions have already secured a playoff spot, with Padikkal scoring 412 runs in 13 matches at a career-best strike rate of 173.11.
A win against Hyderabad would put Bengaluru top of the table with 20 points.
Early Success and Form Slump
Padikkal burst onto the scene in his 2020 debut season, scoring 473 runs in 15 matches to win the Emerging Player award.
He then experienced a form slump, moving through Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants before returning to Bengaluru for ₹2 crore in 2025.
“When I made my IPL debut with RCB in the 2020 season, I felt ready.
I had a solid run of scores in domestic cricket behind me,” Padikkal said during a JioStar broadcast.
“Batting with Virat Kohli, one of the greatest in the game, was a huge help.
At that age, watching him build an innings gave me so much clarity and understanding of how to construct a knock.”
Adapting to Different Roles
The left-hander later batted in various positions for Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, which expanded his adaptability under pressure.
His 2024 season with Lucknow was his lowest point, yielding only 38 runs in seven appearances.
“Moving from being a dedicated opener to batting in different positions lower down the order was challenging, especially at a young age,” Padikkal added.
“But those experiences shaped me into the player I am today.
Batting at different numbers taught me how to read situations, construct innings under pressure, and adapt my game.”
Upon returning to Bengaluru, Padikkal worked with mentor Dinesh Karthik and head coach Andy Flower to adjust his batting style for white-ball cricket.
This intervention helped him break his rigid initial batting templates and develop a more aggressive scoring mindset.
“The 2024 IPL season was a tough one. Bouncing back from a difficult season is never easy,” Padikkal stated.
“Once the season ended, I knew exactly what I had to work on.”
The tactical modifications enabled Padikkal to play a vital role in Bengaluru ending their 18-year title drought by defeating Punjab Kings in the 2025 final.
Padikkal explained that Bengaluru's deep batting lineup gives top-order players the freedom to attack without fear.
“Having a powerful and deep batting lineup at RCB is a luxury.
When you know the batting order is strong all the way down, it gives you extra confidence to play freely at the top,” he said.
“But you also have to take responsibility.
You have to be ready to sacrifice your wicket if it helps the team score an extra 20 or 30 runs quickly.”
Padikkal also praised teenage talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his explosive hitting, while emphasizing his own focus on individual strengths.
“What Vaibhav Suryavanshi does is truly unique.
At his age, to have that kind of power and explosiveness in his batting is special,” Padikkal concluded.
“For me, I focus on my own strengths and try to get the best out of myself. I don't compare myself with others.”
