Padikkal, Kohli lead RCB to 202-run chase in IPL 2026 opener
Padikkal, Kohli lead RCB to 202-run chase in IPL 2026 opener
RCB surge past SRH as Padikkal fires a 61 and Kohli remains unbeaten on 69, guiding Bengaluru to a commanding season-opening win.
Devdutt Padikkal powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding start in IPL 2026 with a blistering 61 off 26 balls as they chased down Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Virat Kohli was not far behind, steering the chase with an unbeaten 69 from 38 deliveries as the defending champions overhauled a 202-run target with 26 balls to spare. The two stitched together a rapid 101-run stand in just 45 balls, turning the game in RCB’s favor long before the finish.
Padikkal revealed the inside approach to the chase on Star Sports’ Amul Cricket Live, sharing how Kohli’s guidance at the crease helped him play with freedom. “Virat bhai’s only instruction was to keep the run-rate up and put pressure on the bowlers. My job was to take risks while he anchored the chase,” Padikkal said, underscoring how Kohli’s presence allowed him to play with greater freedom and calculate risk.
The early wicket of Phil Salt didn’t derail the momentum, as Kohli’s composed innings and Padikkal’s aggressive start kept the pressure on Hyderabad’s bowlers. With Kohli anchoring and Padikkal accelerating, the pair ensured the chase never looked in doubt, delivering a strong statement from the reigning champions. Bengaluru’s home crowd witnessed a confident, high-octane performance that underscored RCB’s title aspirations for IPL 2026.
