My Best Innings So Far in This IPL: RCB’s Devdutt Padikkal

Speaking at the post-match press conference after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s comfortable win, Padikkal highlighted an important aspect that makes his batting stand out: his ability to hit sixes.

“The biggest plus for me is the number of sixes I have hit… I have hit six sixes and that is not very common for me,” Padikkal said. “So being able to hit six sixes was pretty special,” he added.

The left-hander described the innings as his best effort in the tournament so far. “It was probably my best innings so far in the IPL,” he said.

Padikkal also spoke about the impact of sharing the field with Kohli and highlighted the veteran’s relentless work ethic and passion despite his achievements.

“I think the biggest thing for me is his energy and intensity… every match, every net session,” Padikkal said, adding that Kohli’s determination is unwavering.

“Even though he has achieved everything… he still continues to give 100% in every training session and every match,” he noted, saying that this kind of dedication is rare at the highest level.

Padikkal said Kohli’s determination and passion created a ripple effect within the team. “When you see someone with that much determination… it really rubs off on everyone on the sidelines,” he said, adding that Kohli’s energy has helped lift the morale of the entire team.

Chasing 206, RCB suffered an early setback when GT pacer Mohammed Siraj dismissed opener Jacob Bethell and reduced the score to 26/1 in three overs.

But the rest of the top lines responded well. While Kohli’s 44-ball 81 set the tone, Padikkal smashed 55 off 27 balls. The duo ensured the chase went on track as they put together a 115-run stand off just 59 balls.

Following their dismissal, the game heated up in the middle overs with Rashid Khan and Manav Suthar taking crucial wickets and RCB stood at 175/5 after 16 overs.

RCB then lost Rajat Patidar (8) and Jitesh Sharma (10) and increased the pressure with 31 runs required from the last four overs.

All-rounder Krunal Pandya remained unbeaten on 23 off 12 balls, scoring 15 runs from the 18th over. Tim David backed up an unbeaten 10 from nine deliveries.

In the 19th over, Krunal secured the win by pulling a short ball from Jason Holder as RCB reached 206/5 in 18.5 overs.

The win earned RCB two crucial points and moved them to second place in the IPL 2026 standings with 10 points from seven matches, including five wins and two losses.