Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting great Virat Kohli was mighty impressed with the performance of Devdutt Padikkal in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener.
Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Ishan Kishan-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the first match of IPL 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.
His timing, head position, balance, absolutely world-class – Virat Kohli on Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal has undoubtedly been one of the best all-format batters in the Indian cricket circuit in the past 12 months or so. He has set the stage on fire in domestic cricket and has carried his form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
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While chasing 202 runs, Devdutt Padikkal came out to bat at No.3 and played a remarkable innings. He blasted 61 runs off 26 balls, with 7 fours and 4 sixes.
When Virat Kohli was asked about Devdutt Padikkal’s knock, he showered rich praise on the young batter. Kohli said that Devdutt Padikkal’s timing, head position, and balance are absolutely world-class.
“(Padikkal’s knock) Outstanding knock. I mean, right from the word go, I had plans of going aggressive in the powerplay. But when I saw him play, I was like, just keep putting him back on strike and pick the odd boundary here and there. He completely took the game away from the opposition. I even told him, that shot he hit off the slower ball over mid-on for six, at that moment I said, just keep going,” Virat Kohli said.
“You’re hitting the ball amazingly well, just keep pushing and take the game away from the opposition. If we finish with 25-26 balls to spare, we’ll also benefit in terms of net run rate. His knock was tremendous. I’ve seen him at close quarters, the skill he has and now he’s applying it. This is also at the back of a great domestic red-ball season. His timing, head position, balance, absolutely world-class. I know what he can do with the bat when he’s confident, and tonight was a display of his sheer talent.”
I wasn’t playing shots that I don’t usually play – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli himself looked in great touch and smashed 69 runs off 38 balls and while talking about his knock, stated that playing ODI cricket helped him maintain his momentum. He asserted:
“Thanks for such lovely words. It’s good to get back out there. You mentioned T20 cricket, the last game I played was the final last year, but I think the way I batted in the one-day series quite recently really helped me to stay in that same kind of momentum. I wasn’t playing shots that I don’t usually play.
“So I knew as long as I have the rhythm, and I’ve put enough work physically behind the scenes with my fitness, things should come together nicely. And yeah, tonight was another chance to start strong and build on this.”
Whenever I come back to play, it’s 120%. I’m not coming back underprepared – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli further said that whenever he steps on the field, he gives his 120% and is never underprepared. He elaborated:
“The kind of scheduling that we’ve had over the last 15 years and the amount of cricket I’ve played, for me, there was always a risk of getting burnt out rather than being undercooked.
“So these breaks help me mentally. I stay fresh, I stay excited. Whenever I come back to play, it’s 120%. I’m not coming back underprepared. In fact, the extra rest helps me mentally freshen up. And as long as you’re physically fit and mentally excited, both those things come together nicely. Then you’re able to contribute to the team’s cause, and that’s what you want to do as a player. You don’t want to just hold on to a spot; you want to keep performing and keep putting in the work for the team.”
Also Read: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap After RCB vs SRH Match 1
