IPL 2025: Padikkal Points Out Challenges of Sticky Pitch in Second Innings

Synopsis

In a recent match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Devdutt Padikkal from RCB commented on the sticky pitch conditions affecting batting performance in the second innings. With contributions from Padikkal and Kohli, RCB scored 205 runs and aims for their first home win in IPL 2025 against RR.

Key Takeaways

Bengaluru pitch conditions are challenging.
RCB scored 205/5 against RR.
Padikkal and Kohli contributed significantly.
Team's strategy focused on running hard and hitting gaps.
Support from coaches has been crucial for Padikkal.

Bengaluru, April 24 (NationPress) Devdutt Padikkal, a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), believes that the home side has achieved a competitive total against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He notes that the pitch has been sticky, making batting difficult in the second innings.

In their pursuit of securing their first home victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, RCB scored 205 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, propelled by impressive contributions of 50 and 70 runs from Padikkal and Virat Kohli, respectively. “It was a little sticky throughout the innings. It never got any easier, and it will be challenging in the second innings,” he remarked.

“We had some strategies in mind prior to the match. We discussed our approach to batting tonight, especially since our performance here this season hasn’t been up to par. It was crucial for us to run hard and find the gaps,” Padikkal shared during an interview with broadcasters.

Having played in eight IPL matches, Padikkal has scored 230 runs, maintaining an average of 32.86 with an impressive strike rate of 156.46 since his return to RCB. He acknowledged the invaluable support from batting coach Dinesh Karthik and head coach Andy Flower, which has played a significant role in his performance in IPL 2025.

“I’ve dedicated a lot of effort into my game. The last few years have been tough. I faced numerous challenges and felt like luck was not on my side. So, I focused on improving myself both mentally and tactically to be at my best this season,” he added.

“DK (Dinesh Karthik) and Andy (Flower) have provided tremendous support. The progress I’ve made with DK in recent months has been incredible, and his tactical insights have been incredibly beneficial this year. We should be able to restrict them,” Padikkal concluded.

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal both delivered remarkable fifties, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a formidable score of 205/5 in their allotted 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals. Striving for their first home victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, RCB posted 205/5, thanks to the contributions of 50 and 70 from Padikkal and Virat Kohli, respectively. “It was a little sticky throughout the innings. It never got any easier, and it will be challenging in the second innings,” he reiterated.