Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol
A Surprising Revelation Before the IPL Final
As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Gujarat Titans, the spotlight has unexpectedly shifted to a candid confession from one of RCB’s rising stars. In a recent interaction, Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol, a choice that has sparked significant conversation among cricket enthusiasts given his close association with Kohli at the franchise level.
The Influences Behind a Rising Star
While many expected the young left-hander to point toward his current teammate and RCB icon Virat Kohli, Padikkal took a different path. He identified current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as his primary inspirations. This departure from the expected narrative serves as a reminder of the profound impact the heroes of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories had on the generation of cricketers currently dominating the domestic and international stages.
Padikkal noted that he admired Gambhir’s legendary composure under pressure in high-stakes matches, a trait that often proved decisive during India’s major tournament runs. Similarly, Yuvraj Singh’s aggressive, match-winning prowess and fearless approach to the game left a lasting impression on the young batter during his developmental years.
Reflecting on a Career Journey
During the interview, Padikkal touched upon various facets of his professional life and personal milestones. When asked about his most treasured moment in the Indian Premier League, he did not hesitate to emphasize the singular goal of every professional cricketer: the dream of lifting the trophy. For him, the collective success of the team remains the pinnacle of his journey.
His technical preferences also offered a glimpse into his batting philosophy. When probed about his favorite shot, the elegant left-hander selected the flick shot, a stroke that has become a hallmark of his stylish batting repertoire. Furthermore, he revisited his career-defining innings: a scintillating unbeaten 101 off just 52 deliveries against the Rajasthan Royals in 2021. That performance, featuring 11 fours and six sixes at the Wankhede Stadium, remains a testament to his explosive potential.
Interesting Anecdotes and Personal Touches
Beyond the field, Padikkal shared two fascinating stories that have intrigued his followers. The first concerns his jersey number, 37. He revealed that the choice was heavily influenced by his mother’s interest in astrology, rather than a specific cricketing milestone. The second involves his popular nickname, “DDP,” which has become synonymous with his brand on the field. He credited former New Zealand cricketer and respected broadcaster Simon Doull for coining the moniker, acknowledging that the name stuck quickly among fans and teammates alike.
A Defining Season for Padikkal
The timing of these reflections is particularly poignant, as Padikkal is currently enjoying the most productive season of his career. His evolution in IPL 2026 has been instrumental in propelling RCB to their second consecutive final appearance. Moving away from his traditional style, he has adopted a significantly more aggressive approach, reflected in his impressive statistics.
Throughout the current tournament, Padikkal has accumulated 463 runs in 15 matches. Perhaps most tellingly, his strike rate has soared to 170.85, indicating a player who has matured into a formidable power-hitter. With three crucial half-centuries under his belt and a renewed sense of purpose, he enters the final showdown as a vital cog in the RCB machine. Whether his inspiration comes from the grit of Gautam Gambhir or the flair of Yuvraj Singh, it is clear that Padikkal is carving out a legacy that is entirely his own, marked by both technical precision and modern-day aggression.
