It’s not just Virat Kohli. Neither is it Phil Salt. Truth be told, as far as the current Indian Premier League campaign of the RCB is concerned, then a key man who continues to have much focus around him and his abilities is Devdutt Padikkal. You read that right.
Devdutt Padikkal has said that returning to Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been a key turning point in his career. The left-handed batter, who began his IPL journey with RCB, believes the move helped him regain confidence and rhythm.
After spending time with other teams, Padikkal struggled to maintain consistency. However, his return to RCB has given him a fresh start.
He credited the team environment and support from the management for helping him settle back into his game. The 24-year-old has already shown signs of good form this season.
He scored 48 in one match and followed it up with a solid 62, playing important roles at the top of the order.
These performances have strengthened RCB’s batting lineup.
Padikkal also said that being back in familiar surroundings has helped him stay relaxed and focused.
With clear roles and backing from the team, he is now looking more confident at the crease.
As IPL 2026 progresses, Padikkal will aim to continue his good run and make a strong impact for RCB in the upcoming matches.
If the RCB, forget not winners of the 2025 IPL crown, are to progress further into this season having begun so well already, then someone like Devdutt Padikkal will have to be the key man the way he is batting and shall have to score more runs consistently. He has in him to be a champion batter and his recent scores serve firm evidence of that fact.
