Devdutt Padikkal entered the 2020 IPL with runs and flair, but also with questions about whether his game could keep up with the changing demands of T20 cricket. He looked composed, scoring freely and popping up quickly, 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 | Highlighting
Read the full article
The format was changing. Teams wanted intent from the first ball and strike rate was becoming central to the batsman’s role. Padikkal seemed to be caught between two approaches at that stage. He had the technique and the timing, but the game demanded more urgency and flexibility. IPL 2026: Padikkal showed intent from the first ball against SRH. (Photo: PTI)
LOST IN TRANSIT
His time between 2022 and 2024 did not alleviate those concerns. Stints with Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants showed flashes of his ability but not the consistency expected of him.
He’s also been moved up through the batting order, and the lack of a solid role may have slowed his progress, especially for a player still learning the demands of different positions. His returns fell and the impact he had as a young opener became harder to replicate.
Back to Royal Challengers Bengaluru brought back clarity of role and clearer direction. Expectations were defined and the behind-the-scenes work began to show in his game.
“To be honest, it’s the work I did 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. I had to really believe that I could play this brand of cricket,” Padikkal said.
Changes are now visible. He looks more confident in the power play and more decisive in how he builds the innings. The scoring options are clearer and the pace is better controlled.
These changes were seen in the IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Padikkal showed flashes of the easy strokeplay that first caught the eye, but this time there was more authority in his strokes. He cleared the boundary regularly, including flicking it over deep mid-wicket that stuck out, and looked in control throughout the innings.
RCB MOVE FORWARD
In many ways, his journey mirrors that of RCB. For years, they were a team that could perform strongly, but struggled to maintain consistency throughout the 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 did not diminish the need to continually improve. The focus now seems to be on building consistency rather than looking for isolated results.
Their victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2026 opener showed a side that looks more balanced. The approach was timed and the chase was controlled. It reflected a team that understands how to manage the different phases of the game.
This clarity also shapes how they view domestic 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 this has necessitated a change in approach.
Padikkal talked about that shift.
“This ground definitely deserves to see a win because these fans have come out time and time again to support us. We talked about it last season and we felt we had to adapt to the goal,” he said.
“Seven or eight years ago there was a perception that Chinnaswamy was a very flat track. But that’s changed. It’s become a bit spongier, with more bounce.”
This understanding is part of RCB’s next move. Our focus is not just on scoring runs at home, but on adapting to the conditions and improving consistency. Building a strong record at Chinnaswamy depends on reading surfaces better and executing plans more consistently.
“It’s always a pleasure to come back to Chinnaswamy. We missed playing here during the home season. But to come back in front of this crowd and enjoy it was really fun,” Padikkal said.
Early signs are that both Padikkal and RCB now have clearer roles, clearer methods and a better idea of what is needed to sustain success.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
March 29, 2026 10:07 AM IST
