Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol
A Surprising Revelation Before the Grand Finale
As the cricketing world turns its attention toward the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the high-stakes IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Gujarat Titans, star batter Devdutt Padikkal has provided fans with a rare glimpse into his personal inspirations. In a series of candid responses, Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol, a choice that has sparked considerable conversation among cricket enthusiasts given his close association with Kohli at RCB.
Honoring Childhood Heroes
While many expected the young talent to cite his long-time teammate and RCB icon Virat Kohli, Padikkal looked back further into India’s golden era of white-ball cricket. When asked to identify the cricketers who shaped his game, he pointed toward the current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and the legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Padikkal noted, “That’s a tough question. There are a few, but I would say Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh.”
This selection reflects a deep appreciation for the grit and flair that defined those specific Indian legends. Gambhir was renowned for his temperament in high-pressure situations, particularly in World Cup finals, while Yuvraj Singh was synonymous with explosive batting and a fearless, match-winning mindset. For a player like Padikkal, these icons represented the pinnacle of tactical intelligence and aggressive stroke play.
Reflecting on a Stellar 2026 Campaign
The 2026 season has arguably been the finest of Padikkal’s career. His role in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru reach consecutive IPL finals cannot be overstated. By adopting a more aggressive approach, he has evolved into a formidable top-order threat. Across 15 matches, Padikkal accumulated 463 runs at an impressive strike rate of 170.85, proving that he has successfully transitioned into a modern, high-intensity T20 batter.
Defining Moments and Personal Stories
Beyond his cricketing inspirations, the left-handed batter shared intimate details about his career trajectory:
- Most Memorable Knock: Padikkal highlighted his brilliant 2021 century against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, where his unbeaten 101 off 52 balls paved the way for a dominant 10-wicket victory.
- Favorite Shot: When asked about his preferred stroke, he unhesitatingly picked the “flick shot.”
- Jersey Number 37: The number holds a special place due to his mother’s belief in astrology, making it a symbolic choice rather than a random preference.
- The Origin of ‘DDP’: The popular nickname now used by commentators and fans alike, ‘DDP,’ was credited to former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull.
Looking Ahead
As Padikkal prepares for the biggest stage in franchise cricket, his focus remains on the ultimate goal. Having described the act of lifting the trophy as the “coolest moment” of his journey, the RCB star is clearly driven by the pursuit of championship glory. Whether or not his inspirations of the past—Gambhir and Yuvraj—serve as the blueprint for his performance in Ahmedabad remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Padikkal is a key architect of RCB’s current success, and his performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the 2026 IPL final.
