Devdutt Padikkal entered the IPL in 2020 with runs and elegance, but also with questions about whether his game could keep pace with T20 cricket’s changing demands. He looked composed, scored freely, and quickly stood out, but the conversation around him was never just about what he could do, but what he needed to add.
RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Scorecard | Highlights
The format was shifting. Teams wanted intent from the first ball, and strike rates were becoming central to a batter’s role. Padikkal, at that stage, seemed caught between two approaches. He had the technique and timing, but the game was asking for more urgency and flexibility.
LOST IN TRANSITION
His time between 2022 and 2024 did not ease those concerns. Stints with Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants showed glimpses of his ability, but not the consistency expected of him.
He was also moved across the batting order, and that lack of a fixed role may have slowed his progress, especially for a player still learning the demands of different positions. His returns dipped, and the impact he had as a young opener was harder to replicate.
A return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru brought back role clarity and a clearer direction. The expectations were defined, and the work behind the scenes started to show in his game.
“To be honest, it’s the work I’ve done with Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik. They really worked hard on me. It wasn’t easy because there were a lot of things I needed to change, not just technically but mentally as well. I had to truly believe that I could play this brand of cricket,” Padikkal said.
There are visible changes now. He looks more assured in the powerplay and more decisive in how he builds an innings. The scoring options are clearer, and the tempo is better managed.
Those changes were evident in the IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Padikkal showed glimpses of the effortless strokeplay that first caught attention, but there was more authority in his hitting this time. He cleared the boundary regularly, including a flick over deep mid-wicket that stood out, and looked in control throughout his innings.
RCB MOVING FORWARD
In many ways, his journey reflects that of RCB. For years, they were a team that could produce strong performances but struggled to maintain consistency across a season. They often relied on individual brilliance, but did not always have a clear structure.
That changed in 2025 when they won their first IPL title after several near-misses. It addressed a long-standing gap, but it has not reduced the need to keep improving. The focus now appears to be on building consistency rather than chasing isolated results.
Their win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2026 opener showed a side that looks more settled. The approach was measured, and the chase was handled with control. It reflected a team that understands how to manage different phases of a game.
That clarity is also shaping how they look at home conditions.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has long been known for high scores, but results there have not always been consistent for RCB. The surface has changed over time, with more bounce than before, and that has required a shift in approach.
Padikkal spoke about that shift.
“This ground definitely deserves to see victories because these fans have come out time and again to support us. We spoke about it last season and felt we needed to adjust to the wicket,” he said.
“There was a perception that Chinnaswamy was a very flat track maybe seven or eight years ago. But it has changed. It’s become a little spongier, with more bounce.”
That understanding is part of RCB’s next step. The focus is not just on scoring runs at home, but on adapting to conditions and improving consistency. Building a strong record at Chinnaswamy depends on reading surfaces better and executing plans more consistently.
“Coming back to the Chinnaswamy is always a pleasure. We missed playing here during the domestic season. But to return in front of this crowd and enjoy ourselves was really fun,” Padikkal said.
The early signs suggest both Padikkal and RCB now have clearer roles, clearer methods, and a better idea of what it takes to sustain success.
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