Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol
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A Surprising Revelation from the RCB Camp
As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the highly anticipated IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans, one of the tournament’s standout performers has shared intimate details about his inspirations. In a candid interview, Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol, a choice that has sparked significant conversation among fans and analysts alike.
Influences Beyond the Dressing Room
Given that Padikkal has spent considerable time sharing the RCB dressing room with modern-day batting icon Virat Kohli, many expected the former RCB captain to be his primary influence. However, the stylish left-hander revealed a different perspective. When asked about the players he looked up to during his childhood, Padikkal identified current Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir and the legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as his primary inspirations.
The choice reflects the profound impact of India’s golden era of white-ball cricket. Both Gambhir and Yuvraj were pivotal in India’s historic triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Gambhir’s innate ability to handle pressure during high-stakes matches and his consistent performances at the top of the order left a lasting impression on the young batter. Similarly, Yuvraj Singh’s fearless attitude and match-winning capabilities served as a blueprint for the aggressive style of cricket that Padikkal aims to emulate.
Defining Moments and Personal Favorites
During the interaction, Padikkal took a trip down memory lane to discuss his professional journey. When prompted about his coolest IPL memory, he did not hesitate: winning the trophy and the experience of lifting it remains the pinnacle of his career so far. Regarding his technical preference at the crease, he identified the flick shot as his absolute favorite to execute.
His career is also defined by a standout performance that remains etched in the memories of RCB fans. Padikkal highlighted his sensational century against the Rajasthan Royals in 2021 as the most memorable innings of his career. In that display, he smashed an unbeaten 101 off just 52 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and six sixes, leading RCB to a dominant 10-wicket victory at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Stories Behind the Persona
Beyond his batting prowess, Padikkal shed light on the personal anecdotes that define his identity. When asked about his jersey number 37, he explained that it was not a random choice but one rooted in family tradition and belief. He noted that his mother’s interest in astrology played a key role in the selection of the number. Furthermore, he addressed his popular nickname, “DDP,” which has become a staple in cricket commentary and fan discourse. He graciously credited former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull for coining the moniker.
A Career-Best Season
The 2026 season has been nothing short of transformative for the left-hander. As a crucial component of the RCB lineup, Padikkal has played an instrumental role in guiding the team to their second consecutive IPL final. His approach this year has been marked by a newfound aggression and a significantly higher strike rate, demonstrating his growth as a versatile T20 batter. Across 15 matches, he accumulated 463 runs at an average of 35.62 and an impressive strike rate of 170.85, proving that he is currently at the peak of his powers.
As the final showdown approaches, all eyes will be on Padikkal to see if he can carry this momentum into the biggest match of the tournament. Whether or not he channels the grit of his idols, Gambhir and Yuvraj, remains to be seen on Sunday, but his contribution to this season has undoubtedly cemented his status as a pivotal figure for RCB.
