Virat Kohli lavished praise on Devdutt Padikkal after RCB’s successful chase of 205 against Gujarat Titans, highlighting how the left-hander combined orthodox strokeplay with scoring near a strike rate of 200. Together, the RCB duo delivered a high-impact partnership of 115 runs for the second wicket in just 59 deliveries, turning the chase into a controlled run-feast at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Padikkal’s explosive start sets the tone
Padikkal set the tempo from the outset, depositing the very first ball he faced for a six and then clearing the ropes five more times during his rapid 27-ball knock of 55. Kohli noted that the innings was not only quick, but also tactically sharp—built around reading the surface early and playing the right kind of cricket in a chase where the margin for error is small.
Another 200-plus chase powered by the same partnership
The victory also underlined how central this batting combination has become for RCB in the ongoing season. This was the second occasion the pair had helped the franchise chase down a total above 200 at Bengaluru’s home ground.
- In the season opener, RCB chased successfully against Sunrisers Hyderabad with a second-wicket stand of 101 off 45.
- Against Gujarat Titans, they followed it up with 115 runs for the second wicket in 59 balls to reach the target of 205.
- Kohli referenced the broader chase context, pointing out that after a target in the 200s at Bangalore (206 mentioned), a team typically needs only one decisive partnership to seize control.
Kohli’s post-match insights on intent, awareness and conditions
After the win, Kohli explained how RCB’s approach was shaped by early assessment of the pitch and the quality of the bowling unit they were facing. He also pointed to Padikkal’s ability to keep the scoring pressure on without resorting to reckless hitting.
Kohli’s comments included the idea that RCB had to judge the wicket quickly because the Titans possessed a strong bowling attack. He also stressed that with a 200-plus target (206 in Bangalore), the game often swings once the batting side finds its rhythm and builds a partnership.
- Kohli said Padikkal had already “done it twice” this season—coming in and playing a match-defining innings from ball one.
- He singled out the first boundary off Kagiso Rabada as “magnificent,” describing it as an early statement that set the tone.
- Kohli praised Padikkal’s game awareness and his capacity to play well-judged shots in conditions like those at RCB’s venue, particularly when scoring over 200 is the standard challenge.
- He added that Padikkal did not appear to be slogging—yet still looked like he was denying the opposition any real opportunity to settle.
How the partnership plan worked in real time
Kohli also detailed the internal communication and role clarity that helped the pair stay comfortable throughout the stand. With Padikkal racing ahead, Kohli felt freer to choose his moments and applied pressure by converting opportunities into boundaries.
He described his own job as staying in the contest long enough to reduce the pressure on his partner, while ensuring the boundaries arrived at the right stages. Kohli said the overarching strategy was to keep the bowlers pinned back, with both batters and the non-striker aligned on when to attack.
- Kohli said he aimed to “stay in the game enough” so Padikkal did not feel excessive pressure.
- He stressed that the responsibility was on him to time boundary-making effectively.
- Kohli explained that with Padikkal “going great guns,” the plan was to keep pressing the bowlers back.
- He noted that once the batters identified which bowler they wanted to target, the message was clear from both ends.
- He highlighted that intent, clarity, and feedback from the non-striker helped them avoid any doubts during the partnership.
- Kohli concluded that the partnership ultimately acted as the game sealer and game changer for RCB.
Padikkal credits Kohli’s intensity and example
In the post-match interaction, Padikkal returned the compliment by focusing on the energy and discipline Kohli brings to daily preparation. He said Kohli’s intensity is visible not only on match days, but also across net sessions and practice routines.
Padikkal also described that kind of drive as rare and contagious within the dressing room, suggesting that Kohli’s commitment helps lift the standards for the entire squad.
- Padikkal said Kohli’s energy and intensity appear in every match and every net session.
- He added that even after achieving everything there is to achieve in the sport, Kohli continues to give “100 percent” in practice and games.
- Padikkal described that commitment as hard to find and said it rubs off on teammates.
- He concluded that Kohli’s energy is helping everyone in the team.
