"Has Taken Bull By The Horns": RCB Spin Bowling Coach On Batter Devdutt Padikkal
RCB’s Devdutt Padikkal Impresses with Aggressive Batting Style, Says Spin Coach
Table of Contents
Key Highlights
- Padikkal scores consecutive fifties against PBKS and RR
- 230 runs in 8 matches at 156+ strike rate
- Successfully adapted to number three position
- RCB at third spot with six wins
- Crucial Delhi Capitals clash ahead
Current Form and Performance
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Devdutt Padikkal has found his rhythm in IPL 2025, particularly excelling in his new role as a number three batsman. The left-hander has showcased remarkable consistency, highlighted by back-to-back half-centuries against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
Season Statistics
Coach’s Analysis
RCB’s spin bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan expressed high praise for Padikkal’s development, noting how the young batsman has “taken the bull by the horns” in challenging situations. The coach highlighted Padikkal’s receptiveness to technical and tactical inputs from both Dinesh Karthik and Andy Flower.
Strategic Evolution
Padikkal’s transformation from an opener to a dynamic number three batsman showcases his adaptability and willingness to evolve for team requirements.
Career Journey with RCB
Padikkal’s history with RCB includes impressive seasons in 2020 and 2021, where he amassed 473 and 411 runs respectively, including a century and six half-centuries. After being reacquired by RCB for ₹2 crores in the mega auction, he has successfully reinvented his role in the team.
Previous Success
Padikkal’s earlier stint with RCB saw him score close to 500 runs per season, establishing himself as a reliable top-order batsman.
Team Dynamics and Strategy
The decision to bring Padikkal back to RCB was strategic, with the team specifically looking for a left-handed batsman. His previous experience batting with Virat Kohli and familiarity with the team setup were significant factors in his acquisition.
Team Integration
The combination of past experience with RCB and clear role definition has helped Padikkal quickly adapt to his new position in the batting order.
Upcoming Match Preview
RCB, currently third in the points table with six wins and three losses, faces Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC, positioned second with six wins and two losses, presents a formidable challenge as RCB seeks to avenge their previous home defeat.
Match Squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Rasikh Dar Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh
Delhi Capitals:
Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul(w), Axar Patel(c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sameer Rizvi, Madhav Tiwari, Donovan Ferreira, Tripurana Vijay, Darshan Nalkande, Faf du Plessis, T Natarajan, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Manvanth Kumar L, Mohit Sharma
Published on April 26, 2025
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