What Mental Shift Did RCB's Padikkal Make for T20 Cricket?

Bengaluru, May 2 (NationPress) Devdutt Padikkal of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared insights on his revamped strategy for T20 batting as they prepare for a critical match against Chennai Super Kings, stating, “It’s a mental shift” that has enabled him to achieve a remarkable level of consistency and explosiveness in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

During the pre-match press conference, Padikkal discussed how a shift in mindset and thorough preparation for this season have significantly improved his strike rate — 154.36 this year, up from 71 in 2024 and the 120s in prior editions. “It’s a mental shift that you need to make when you come into T20 cricket. The game has evolved, and you have to keep up. I’ve also worked a lot on the shots I want to play,” he explained.

The 23-year-old left-handed batsman has emerged as a crucial player at the No. 3 position for RCB this season, injecting much-needed stability and aggression into the middle order. He acknowledged that having a clear understanding of his role within the team has been vital to his resurgence.

“It does help when you have some clarity on what your role is. But it’s not just having the role — it’s about going out and executing it under pressure,” he remarked. “In the last couple of years, I didn’t have too much preparation leading into IPL, and that probably had an effect on my batting. This year, I had that chance to prepare properly, and it’s made a big difference.”

Padikkal has scored two half-centuries in his last two innings, confidently building on the strong foundation laid by openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. He noted that their aggressive starts often allow him to play naturally without added pressure.

“It’s not pressure, really. It’s more about maintaining the momentum when you walk in. When you’ve got Virat bhai and Salt firing at the top, and then power-hitters lined up for the back end, your job becomes easier — you can just go out there and enjoy yourself.”

However, the RCB batter emphasizes the importance of adaptability in different situations rather than strictly adhering to templates. “In most games, I’ve been able to continue the momentum. But it’s also about reading the situation and playing what’s in front of you.”

When asked about Phil Salt’s availability for the CSK match after he missed the previous game due to illness, Padikkal replied:

“He’s been in touch with the medical team. I’m not really privy to the conversations, but hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”

RCB, having gained late-season momentum with consecutive victories, is now targeting a playoff spot. A win against CSK could elevate them to 16 points and firmly establish them in the qualification race. However, the weather forecast raises concerns, as rain is expected in Bengaluru on Saturday.

While potential rain or a shortened game could alter the dynamics, Padikkal remains focused on what he can control — maintaining the rhythm and form that have made him an integral part of RCB’s revival.

“When you put in the work, it reflects in your confidence and performance. It’s been nice to have the preparation and clarity this time. I just want to keep contributing,” he concluded, exuding the confidence he's displayed throughout the season.