Bengaluru: Devdutt Padikkal has shown notable improvement in the current IPL season, not only through his scoring but also in his understanding of match dynamics, opponents’ strategies, and his own approach. Following his impactful 55 runs from 27 deliveries in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s five-wicket victory against Gujarat Titans on Friday at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the left-handed batsman highlighted his role as Karnataka’s captain as a key contributor to his progress. ‘Leading the team has provided me with a fresh viewpoint on cricket,’ Padikkal stated in the post-match briefing. ‘It encourages deeper consideration of bowlers’ tactics, on-field leadership decisions, and potential strategies,’ he explained. This enhanced awareness was clear in his partnership with Virat Kohli during the challenging pursuit. Entering the innings early, Padikkal displayed aggression at opportune times while maintaining a pace above the required run rate. He noted that the captaincy has improved his ability to assess and react to situations effectively. ‘It offers greater insight into the context and how to address it,’ he said, emphasizing how the position has polished various elements of his T20 skills, resulting in a more versatile player. Padikkal rejected ideas of an abrupt shift, describing his evolution as an ongoing process. ‘Discussions about me changing have persisted for some time. This is my current form,’ he remarked. ‘You identify areas for enhancement and continue to refine them.’ He pointed out variations in technique across formats, especially transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket. ‘Comparing my Ranji Trophy style to this, the adjustments are evident,’ he added. However, he stressed that core elements like self-assurance remain constant. The 25-year-old also discussed the benefits of being in the same team as Kohli. For an emerging batsman, watching one of cricket’s top figures has been educational. ‘His enthusiasm and dedication stand out most,’ Padikkal said. ‘Despite all his accomplishments, he commits fully to every practice. That level of devotion is rare.’ Above all, Kohli’s persistent motivation has influenced the squad. ‘Witnessing such passion inspires the entire group,’ Padikkal noted. In addition, Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya shared that Kohli expressed regret for not turning his match-winning 88 into a century. ‘Post-game, he mentioned he could have reached a hundred. This reflects his attitude. He’s not seeking external validation; it’s about self-improvement, striving to outperform his previous self,’ Dahiya commented.
