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Devdutt Padikkal has shared some interesting stories from his cricket journey ahead of the IPL 2026 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 31).
Padikkal has shockingly ignored modern Indian batting legend and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli when asked about the cricketer he looked up to while growing up ahead of the summit clash in Ahmedabad.
Devdutt Padikkal ignores Virat Kohli, says Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh inspired him most
Devdutt Padikkal ignored Virat Kohli and named the current Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir and the legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as the players who inspired him the most.
His choice surprised many, especially because Padikkal has spent several years sharing the RCB dressing room with Kohli. But the stylish left-hander admired most Gambhir and Yuvraj during his childhood years.
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Both Gambhir and Yuvraj were heroes during India’s golden era in white-ball cricket. Gambhir was known for handling pressure in big matches and playing crucial knocks at the top of the order, while Yuvraj became famous for his explosive batting, fearless attitude, and match-winning performances.
They also played significant roles in India’s triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. When asked to share his cricket idol, he grew up watching on JioHotStar, Devdutt Padikkal said, “That’s a tough question. There are a few, but I would say Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh.”
Devdutt Padikkal also reveals his favourite memory and favourite stroke
Padikkal also opened up about his most special and coolest IPL memory. The RCB star said that “winning the trophy and just lifting that trophy” remains the coolest moment of his journey so far. When asked about his favorite cricket shot, Padikkal picked the “flick shot.”
The left-handed batter also recalled the most memorable innings of his career. He picked his brilliant IPL century for RCB against Rajasthan Royals in 2021 as his memorable IPL knock.
Padikkal hit an unbeaten 101 runs off 52 balls laced with 11 fours and six sixes and helped RCB to record a dominant 10-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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Stories behind jersey No. 37 and nickname ‘DDP’ revealed
Padikkal also revealed the story behind his jersey number 37. The RCB batter said that the number was chosen because of his mother’s belief in astrology. He shared, “I think it’s something to do with astrology. It’s my mom’s doing, so yeah, 37 is from there.”
Finally, the RCB batter shared how he got his popular nickname “DDP.” The nickname is now widely used by teammates, fans, and commentators, and Padikkal credited former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull for the same.
Padikkal signed off by saying, “I think my nickname right now that everyone talks about is DDP. And as far as I remember, it was Simon Doull who started it, so all credit.”
From the player he grew up watching to the story behind his jersey number 👀🏏#DevduttPadikkal answers a series of quick-fire questions, revealing his cricketing inspirations, favourite shot, most memorable victory and more! ⚡🔥#TATAIPL 2026 FINAL 👉 #RCBvGT | SUN, 31st MAY,… pic.twitter.com/HHpQKuruUX
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 31, 2026
Padikkal in sublime form in IPL 2026
Notably, Padikkal is enjoying the best IPL season of his career in 2026 and played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru reaching the final for the second straight season. The left-handed batter showed a completely new approach, scoring at a much faster rate than ever before.
In 15 matches, Padikkal scored 463 runs at an average of 35.62 and an impressive strike rate of 170.85. He also smashed three half-centuries, with a highest score of 61.
