Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Devdutt Padikkal discussed his transformed approach to T20 batting ahead of their crucial match against Chennai Super Kings , emphasizing how a mental shift and better preparation have led to his improved strike rate of 154.36 this season compared to 71 in 2024.
The 23-year-old left-hander has emerged as a reliable No. 3 batsman for RCB this season, providing stability and intent to the middle order.
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"It's a mental shift that you need to make when you come into T20 cricket. The game has evolved, and you have to keep up. I've also worked a lot on the shots I want to play," Padikkal said.
Padikkal credited his success to having a clear role in the team structure and proper preparation time before the tournament.
"It does help when you have some clarity on what your role is. But it's not just having the role — it's about going out and executing it under pressure," he said. "In the last couple of years, I didn't have too much preparation leading into IPL, and that probably had an effect on my batting. This year, I had that chance to prepare properly, and it's made a big difference."
The RCB batter has scored two consecutive half-centuries, building on the aggressive starts provided by openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt .
Quiz: Who's that IPL player?
"It's not pressure, really. It's more about maintaining the momentum when you walk in. When you've got Virat bhai and Salt firing at the top, and then power-hitters lined up for the back end, your job becomes easier — you can just go out there and enjoy yourself."
Padikkal emphasized the importance of adapting to different match situations rather than following fixed templates.
"In most games, I've been able to continue the momentum. But it's also about reading the situation and playing what's in front of you."
Regarding Phil Salt's availability for the upcoming CSK match after missing the previous game due to fever, Padikkal provided an update.
"He's been in touch with the medical team. I'm not really privy to the conversations, but hopefully, he'll be back soon."
RCB is currently pursuing a playoff spot, with a potential win against CSK taking them to 16 points and strengthening their qualification chances. However, rain is forecasted in Bengaluru on Saturday.
"When you put in the work, it reflects in your confidence and performance. It's been nice to have the preparation and clarity this time. I just want to keep contributing," Padikkal said.
The 23-year-old left-hander has emerged as a reliable No. 3 batsman for RCB this season, providing stability and intent to the middle order.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
"It's a mental shift that you need to make when you come into T20 cricket. The game has evolved, and you have to keep up. I've also worked a lot on the shots I want to play," Padikkal said.
Padikkal credited his success to having a clear role in the team structure and proper preparation time before the tournament.
"It does help when you have some clarity on what your role is. But it's not just having the role — it's about going out and executing it under pressure," he said. "In the last couple of years, I didn't have too much preparation leading into IPL, and that probably had an effect on my batting. This year, I had that chance to prepare properly, and it's made a big difference."
The RCB batter has scored two consecutive half-centuries, building on the aggressive starts provided by openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt .
Quiz: Who's that IPL player?
"It's not pressure, really. It's more about maintaining the momentum when you walk in. When you've got Virat bhai and Salt firing at the top, and then power-hitters lined up for the back end, your job becomes easier — you can just go out there and enjoy yourself."
Padikkal emphasized the importance of adapting to different match situations rather than following fixed templates.
"In most games, I've been able to continue the momentum. But it's also about reading the situation and playing what's in front of you."
Regarding Phil Salt's availability for the upcoming CSK match after missing the previous game due to fever, Padikkal provided an update.
"He's been in touch with the medical team. I'm not really privy to the conversations, but hopefully, he'll be back soon."
RCB is currently pursuing a playoff spot, with a potential win against CSK taking them to 16 points and strengthening their qualification chances. However, rain is forecasted in Bengaluru on Saturday.
"When you put in the work, it reflects in your confidence and performance. It's been nice to have the preparation and clarity this time. I just want to keep contributing," Padikkal said.
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