Padikkal: Forget the old me—evolution fuels RCB's IPL win
Padikkal: Forget the old me—evolution fuels RCB's IPL win
Devdutt Padikkal belts 55 off 27 as RCB beat Gujarat Titans, signaling a rapid evolution in his T20 game and a fresh chapter for Bengaluru's IPL campaign.
Devdutt Padikkal’s development in T20 cricket has felt like a growth spurt. The 25-year-old left-hander has moved from tentative starts to a more assured, explosive template that suits the shortest format. His chat about 'forgetting the old me' mirrors a fresh mindset, one that matches the pace of modern IPL cricket.
In Friday's IPL clash against Gujarat Titans, Padikkal delivered a 27-ball 55 that underscored the shift. The innings blended clean touch, smart boundaries and rapid running between the wickets as he anchored the chase and helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru register an impressive five-wicket win.
The knock sits in the broader arc of his IPL journey, a reminder that growth can be swift when a player's fundamentals align with the demands of T20. Padikkal's ability to accelerate without losing discipline is drawing attention from fans and analysts alike, and it bodes well for Bengaluru's campaign as the tournament unfolds.
As IPL 2026 advances, Padikkal's evolving approach could redefine his role in India's limited-overs setup, offering a template for others chasing rapid development in the T20 era.