Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) great batsman Virat Kohli was impressed with Devdutt Padikkal’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener.
Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated 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 batsmen in the Indian cricket circuit in the last 12 months. He has set domestic cricket on fire and has maintained his form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as well.
While chasing 202 runs, Devdutt Padikkal came to bat at number 3 and played a brilliant innings. He scored 61 runs in 26 balls with the help of 7 fours and 4 sixes.
When Virat Kohli was asked about Devdutt Padikkal’s innings, he praised the young batsman profusely. Kohli said that Devdutt Padikkal’s timing, head position and balance are absolutely world class.
“(Padikkal’s innings) Excellent innings. I mean, right from the beginning, my plan was to be aggressive in the powerplay. But when I saw him play, I thought, just keep him back on strike and hit the odd boundary here and there. He completely took the game away from the opposition. I also told him that he had hit a six over mid-on on a slower ball, at that moment I said, just keep going,” Virat Kohli said.
“You’re hitting the ball amazingly well, just keep pushing and taking the game away from the opposition. If we finish with 25-26 balls to spare, we’ll have an advantage in terms of net run rate as well. His innings were tremendous. I’ve watched him closely, the skills he has and now he’s applying it. It’s also on the back of a great domestic red-ball season. His timing, head position, balance, absolutely world class. I know that.” Full of confidence in what he can do with the bat, and tonight was a display of sheer talent.”
I was not playing the shots I usually don’t play – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli himself looked in great form and scored 69 runs in 38 balls and while talking about his innings, he said that playing ODI cricket helped him maintain his rhythm. he insisted:
“Thank you for such kind words. It’s good to be 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 recent ODI series helped me stay in that same rhythm. I wasn’t playing shots I wouldn’t normally play.”
“So I knew that as long as I have the rhythm, and I’ve done enough work physically behind the scenes with my fitness, things should come together nicely. And yes, tonight was another chance to start strong and take it forward.”
Whenever I come back to play, it’s 120%. I am not coming back without preparation-Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli further said that whenever he comes on the field, he gives his 120% and is never less prepared. He elaborated:
“The kind of schedule we have had over the last 15 years and the amount of cricket I have played, for me, there was always a risk of being burnt out rather than being half-baked.
“So these breaks help me mentally. I remain fresh, excited. Whenever I come back to play, it is 120%. I am not coming back with less preparation. In fact, the extra rest helps me to be mentally fresh. And as long as you are physically fit and mentally excited, these two things come together well. Then you are able to contribute to the team, and as a player That’s what you want to do. You don’t want to just be in one place; I want to keep performing and keep working for the team.”
Also Read: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap after RCB vs SRH Match 1
