IPL 2025: Fans weigh in on Devdutt Padikkal's form

After losing Philip Salt early, the responsibility of stabilizing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ship in their chase of 158 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) fell on Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. While Kohli, known as the 'chase master,' started off cautiously, it was Padikkal who shifted gears and took the attack to the bowlers. His innings saw him score 61 off 35 balls, smashing 5 fours and 4 sixes.

While he has been receiving mixed reactions, the RCB camp has shown a lot of faith in the young 24-year-old, who began his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey with RCB. He later moved to Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), before returning to RCB and now batting at the No. 3 spot. 

𝗥apid. 𝗖omposed. 𝗕rilliant 👌

Maiden half-century of the season for Devdutt Padikkal keeps #RCB on track in the chase.

Updates ▶ https://t.co/6htVhCbltp#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/jBYg2tgj6Y

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2025

Devdutt Padikkal at RR and at RCB

As the young gun helped RCB reach a strong position and win the clash, one thing fans noticed is the huge difference in his game when playing for RCB compared to his stints with other franchises. In fact, this match against PBKS marked Padikkal's first 50+ score in 14 IPL innings — with his last half-century also coming against Punjab Kings, in Dharamsala back in 2023. 

During his time at RR from 2022 to 2023, he scored 376 and 261 runs respectively, while his earlier stint with RCB from 2020 to 2021 saw him post 473 and 411 runs — including a superb unbeaten knock of 101* off just 52 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals. 

Devdutt Padikkal in
RCB RRpic.twitter.com/bSOGrzmctf

— Movie Update 🎬 (@MovieUpdate58) April 20, 2025

At LSG, his form dipped more as he managed just 38 runs in 7 matches during the 2024 season. Now back with RCB, he has played 7 games so far, scoring 180 runs, with his 61 against PBKS being his highest of the season.

Fans react to Devdutt Padikkal's form

A solid left-handed batter who excels at the top of the order, Padikkal has consistently displayed the range of shots in his arsenal. His recent knock against PBKS seems to have earned him plenty of praise, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter). 

One said, "WELL PLAYED, DEVDUTT PADIKKAL."

WELL PLAYED, DEVDUTT PADIKKAL. 👌🔥

— Cricket Freak X (@VarshaN87) April 20, 2025

Another wrote, "Devdutt Padikkal 61 (35)."

Devdutt Padikkal🛐🔥 61 (35) #PBKSvRCBpic.twitter.com/972887rb2v

— ᴅʜʀᴜᴠᴀ శర్మ ™ (@Anil_Tweetzzz) April 20, 2025

One commented, "THE CROWDS APPRECIATING DEVDUTT PADIKKAL'S INNINGS."

THE CROWDS APPRECIATING DEVDUTT PADIKKAL INNINGS ✌️❤️#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/mIcwh6ij2U

— Royal Challengers (RCB) (@VikashJ13660845) April 20, 2025

Another added, "Devdutt Padikkal... what a player."

Devdutt padikkal ❤️‍🩹 what a player

— Advay (@Advayyyyyy) April 20, 2025

And one more wrote, "Devdutt Padikkal for RCB this season… he is well and truly back."

Devdutt Padikkal For RCB this Season

Quickfire 27 of 14 Vs CSK
Fine innings of 37 of 22 Vs Mi
Unbeaten 40 of 28 vs RR
Match winning 61 of 34 VS Pbks

He is Well and Truly Back ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/0h9WNsOar7

— LA PAUSA (@Amaaa7n) April 20, 2025

Teams

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(c), Josh Inglis(w), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Subs: Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Suryansh Shedge, Glenn Maxwell, Praveen Dubey 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Impact Subs: Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh 

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