Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik feels Devdutt Padikkal’s rise means it may be hard to keep the India selector’s radar off him for long, with his IPL 2026 form coming after impressive domestic displays. Padikkal delivered a match-defining 50 off 29 balls as RCB cruised to a big win over Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, and Karthik praised the patience that powered his innings before he opened up.
Padikkal’s calm approach and growing influence
Speaking about what stood out in Padikkal’s knock, Karthik pointed to his determination and temperament during the early stages, when scoring often becomes difficult. He noted that batters sometimes try to force momentum with big swings when the ball isn’t coming easily, but Padikkal held his nerve and waited for the right moments.
- Karthik highlighted Padikkal’s “determination” as the key feature of his innings, especially during a phase where runs were not flowing easily.
- He said the batter showed courage to remain patient when conditions were tough before gradually gaining control.
- Karthik suggested Padikkal’s current momentum would make it challenging for the BCCI selection panel to ignore him for long.
Karthik also explained the moment the innings changed. Once Padikkal found his first boundary, he appeared to shift gears quickly, playing more traditional cricketing strokes and striking with real distance. Karthik further referenced Padikkal’s heavy runs in domestic cricket, underscoring that the quality has been proven across levels.
- After the first boundary, Karthik said Padikkal switched gears and began hitting with both timing and power.
- He praised the quality of Padikkal’s shot selection, describing his approach as “proper cricketing shots” coupled with big-hit ability.
- Karthik added that Padikkal has already shown his class through a strong domestic run-scoring record.
Beyond the bat, Karthik noted Padikkal’s leadership development in the Karnataka dressing room. Even at 25, he is contributing with ideas and leadership, something the RCB batting coach said is impressive and worth seeing.
RCB’s record-setting chase and the match outcome
Padikkal’s innings, which included five boundaries and two sixes, formed part of an explosive RCB total. The team reached 250/3 after Tim David smashed 70 from 25 balls, turning the game into a relentless run-fest for CSK to chase.
- Padikkal made 50 off 29 balls with five fours and two maximums.
- Tim David accelerated with 70 off 25 deliveries.
- RCB posted 250/3.
- RCB won by 43 runs and handed CSK their third consecutive defeat.
Anil Kumble on why CSK are struggling early
Former India captain Anil Kumble focused on CSK’s difficulties in the opening stretch of the season. He described it as a major concern for Chennai, stressing that the pressure grows if two of their most experienced batters—Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad—fail to fire in the first three matches.
- Kumble said CSK’s situation is a “massive concern” if Samson and Gaikwad do not score big early.
- He pointed out that the rest of CSK’s batting unit—apart from Samson and MS Dhoni—has a younger core.
- Kumble argued that at least one of the experienced batters needs to take responsibility and deliver a substantial innings.
While Kumble acknowledged it is still early in the campaign, he warned that Chennai must tighten up quickly, noting that the first three games have not gone their way.
Tim David’s hitting, plus Patidar and Pietersen’s praise
David’s fireworks included eight sixes and three fours, and he finished with a strike rate of 280. Karthik reflected on why David’s power translates so effectively, describing a smooth swing and long levers that give him the right tools to clear the ropes.
- Tim David struck eight sixes and three fours in his 70.
- His strike rate was 280.
- Karthik said David’s swing is smooth and he possesses the right mechanics to hit big shots.
Karthik added that consistency is what matters most for David. Since he bats in the middle order, he often faces fewer deliveries than top-order batters, so Karthik said it is important that David faces enough balls in training to stay in rhythm. He also described David as one of the most consistent batters in the format over the past 12–18 months.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who led the franchise to its maiden title last season, was also a key part of the onslaught. He contributed 48 off just 19 balls, and Kevin Pietersen called the knock a “turning point” in the match.
- Rajat Patidar scored 48 off 19 balls.
- Kevin Pietersen described Patidar’s innings as a turning point.
Pietersen said Patidar’s confidence was clear, adding that after winning the title, Patidar wanted to play a bigger role with further contributions. He acknowledged that Tim David’s innings was outstanding and packed with big sixes, but maintained that Patidar’s impact shifted the game.
According to Pietersen, the timing of Patidar’s acceleration mattered. When Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt took time to get going, Patidar came in and ramped up scoring quickly. Pietersen credited Patidar for adjusting to conditions and finding sixes with ease, which he said altered the momentum of the contest.
