Devdutt Padikkal’s return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the latest Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been a homecoming of sorts. Acquired for his base price of Rs 2 crore during the mega auction, Padikkal reunited with the franchise that first gave him a platform to shine.
After a stint away from RCB — with two seasons at Rajasthan Royals and a season with Lucknow Super Giants — the 24-year-old is back in familiar colors. His return has not only brought personal joy but has also reignited his desire to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success, especially under the guidance of one of the sport’s greats — Virat Kohli.
Learning from the Best
Padikkal opened up about the invaluable experience of working closely with Virat Kohli, someone he has long admired. During his third season with RCB, Kohli was officially assigned as his mentor — a phase Padikkal described as “surreal.” Being mentored by a cricketing legend and spending time with him daily left a deep impression on the young left-hander.
He highlighted the immense knowledge he gained just by observing Kohli’s approach to the game and his work ethic. “Working with Virat, being around him, is something really special,” Padikkal shared in RCB’s Bold Diaries series. The opportunity to be guided by someone of Kohli’s stature is something he considers a defining moment in his career.
Chasing the Dream of an IPL Title
Beyond personal growth, Padikkal has set his sights on a bigger goal — winning the IPL trophy for RCB. He admitted to always having a “soft spot” for the team, even when he played for other franchises. His emotional connection to RCB dates back to his early days as a fan, and now as a player, that bond has only deepened. “Winning an IPL trophy for RCB is a dream. I’m an RCB fan, and I know how much this trophy means to every supporter,” he said.
With RCB currently performing well in the league and holding third place on the points table with three wins from four games, Padikkal is hopeful that this might finally be the year they go all the way. His personal mission aligns perfectly with the franchise’s long-standing pursuit of their maiden IPL title.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.