Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik has lauded batter Devdutt Padikkal, expressing great support for the rising batter. Padikkal has been in supreme touch in the IPL 2026 so far, kicking off the season with back-to-back fifties for RCB. In RCB's tournament opener against SRH, Padikkal smashed a well-crafted 61, helping the side chase a big total of 201 in 15.4 overs. And, in the next match against Chennai Super Kings, he blazed a 29-ball 50 to power the side to a monumental total. So far, he has now scored 111 runs in two matches at a staggering strike rate of 201.82. 

"The first thing that stands out is his determination. On a pitch like this, when runs don’t come easily at the start, many batters try to force a big shot and end up giving their wicket away. Devdutt showed great courage to stay patient when the going was tough. Once he got that first boundary, you could see him switch gears. He’s playing proper cricketing shots and hitting the ball with distance," Karthik said on JioStar.

In the 2025 season, he scored 247 runs in 10 matches, maintaining a striking balance between composure and attacking intent. Seeing the red-hot form Padikkal is in, Karthik believes that it will be difficult to keep him out of the team.

"If he continues batting like this, it will be difficult to keep him out of the Indian team for long. He has scored heavily in domestic cricket and we know he’s a quality player. What’s also impressive is the way he’s stepping up as a leader in the Karnataka dressing room. Even at 25, he contributes with his ideas and leadership, and that’s great to see,” Karthik concluded.

Talking about RCB, they have made a rollicking start to their campaign, winning both of their opening games. They will now face Rajasthan Royals on Friday in Guwahati.