Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu said Royal Challengers Bengaluru number three Devdutt Padikkal is no longer expecting the short ball, which he used to do in the past. Rayudu noted that the left-hander used to crouch earlier, which used to put him in trouble.
The former CSK batter said Padikkal is standing tall and extending his hands, which is a unique technique for any Indian batter. Padikkal scored a match-winning knock of 61 runs off just 26 balls in the opening game of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M.Chinnamswamy Stadium in the run-chase of 202. RCB registered a comprehensive six-wicket win to begin their campaign on a high.
The southpaw was able to hit the ground running, smashing a six on the first ball he faced. He scored seven fours and four sixes in his blistering knock.
Ambati Rayudu said on ESPN Cricinfo, “In his initial years, he used to crouch down a little too much. That is the reason why he used to find the short balls a little problematic. Right now, he is standing tall and he really extends his hands, which is quite unique for an Indian player. Generally, Indians like to play with slightly bent arms. He is not expecting the short ball anymore. When he came into the IPL, he was always expecting the short ball.”
Meanwhile, RCB veteran Virat Kohli also scored a brilliant knock of 69 runs off 38 balls with the help of five fours and as many sixes. However, Rayudu reckons Kohli was looking a bit rusty during his knock.
He said, “In this beautiful innings that he has played, he was still looking a little rusty. I think there’s a lot more to come from him as he gets more tuned in. He’s going to have a fantastic season.”
On the other hand, former RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar said Kohli played accordingly to the match situation.
He said, “If the batsmen around him are doing the job, then he doesn’t really have to press the accelerator. He can raise the bar anytime in terms of strike rate. But, once he knows that the game is well within control, he takes great pride in hitting those winning runs.”
RCB will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on April 5.
