RCB won another game last night, and one of the chief architects behind the win and a successful run chase was Devdutt Padikkal. Yes, Virat Kohli deserves all the plaudits for his 81 runs off 44 balls, and he was the match-winner. But it would not have been possible had Devdutt Padikkal not given support to him. Padikkal is an unsung hero for RCB, and goes under-rated, under the radar, we can say. Over the years, he has played crucial knocks in the IPL, especially this season and the last one as well. He has made a huge difference to the RCB side.
Devdutt Padikkal gets going straightaway and plays according to the situation. He plays good cricketing shots and is a delight to watch. The most important factor for him is that he has worked hard a lot in domestic cricket and is reaping the rewards now in the IPL. Whenever RCB needed an impact knock, Padikkal was there to provide it at 3. He may not have the numbers like Virat Kohli and others, but his contribution is of paramount importance to the side.
Devdutt Padikkal’s fiery half-century flattens GT
Devdutt Padikkal walked out to bat when RCB, chasing 206 for the win, were 26/1 in 3 overs, having lost Jacob Bethell for 14 runs. RCB were in a spot of bother and needed a partnership and someone who could support Virat Kohli, who was looking fluent as the innings went on. Padikkal initially got his eye in as Kohli was taking it on in the power play. But as soon as Kohli reached 45, Padikkal, who was then on 22, switched gears, and so much so that he completed his half-century before Kohli.
Virat was steady as a rock, but Padikkal was the explosive player and scored runs at a quick rate. He reached yet another half-century and made 55 off 27 balls. It helped RCB do well in the power play. They went beyond that and added 115 runs for the second wicket, with both of them complementing each other really well. RCB surpassed 140 inside 13 overs, and the game was within their reach now. Padikkal fell for 55 while Kohli, later on, fell for 81. But the damage was done, and the lower middle order completed the formalities with 7 balls to spare.
Devdutt Padikkal’s role was crucial as it helped Virat play his own game, which he is a master at, and the rate was under control. He is an invaluable asset for RCB, and even Virat acknowledged that in the post-match presentation. He will want to carry that form on into the next phase of the IPL as well.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Performance Till Date
Devdutt Padikkal has had wonderful run so far as he has created impactful performances in IPL 2026. Apart from his 55 off 27 balls last night, he also contributed in previous games as well. He scored 50 off 29 balls against CSK in a crucial game where he once again upped the ante and helped RCB reach a huge score. Yes, Tim David fired towards the end, but he was the one who injected early momentum. He was brilliant in the side’s opening game, where he smashed 61 off 26 balls against SRH in a chase of 202. Virat played well as well, but he was the one who took the game away from the opposition.
Devdutt Padikkal had a stellar domestic season as he scored tons and tons of runs, including a majestic double hundred against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy. He is yet to make a mark in international cricket since he has had limited opportunities in Tests and T20Is, with no ODIs yet for him. But the way he is performing, we are not far away from seeing him in the playing squad for India. He had a stellar Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season where he amassed 543 runs in 11 innings with a strike-rate of 76.48 and an average of 54.30 with a best of 232 against Uttarakhand.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 725 runs in 9 innings at a strike-rate of 98.24 and an average of 90.63 with 4 tons and a best of 147 off 118 balls against Jharkhand. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Padikkal scored 309 runs in 6 innings at an average of 167.03 and an average of 61.80. His best score was a majestic unbeaten 102 off 46 balls against Tamil Nadu.
In other words, Devdutt Padikkal is in a rich vein of form, and the day is not far away when he gets a call-up in the senior team, most likely in the T20 set-up. In the other formats as well, he can get a call-up.
What Lies Ahead
So, RCB will now be on the road for the next three games starting next week, and Padikkal will be hoping to carry on this form in the second half of the IPL. GT faces CSK next tomorrow afternoon. Before that, we have DC hosting PBKS in the afternoon, and RR hosting SRH in the evening. So, a lot to look forward to in IPL 2026 for all of us.
Also Read: RCB vs GT: Virat Kohli’s Masterclass Powers RCB To 2nd In Points Table