Devdutt Padikkal reveals impact of Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik after blistering knock in IPL 2026 opener

In RCB's IPL 2026 opener, Devdutt Padikkal registered 61 off 26 balls at a strike rate of 234.62. It was key as RCB ended up winning the match.

Published on: Mar 29, 2026, 20:24:26 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Devdutt Padikkal praised Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik after his sensational batting performance in defending champions RCB's IPL 2026 season opener against SRH. Padikkal came in as an Impact Player at no. 3 during the run chase, and ended up smashing 61 off 26 balls at a stunning strike rate of 234.62. He also hammered seven fours and four sixes.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Devdutt Padikkal plays a shot against Sunrisers Hyderabad. (PTI)

Speaking after the match, he credited Flower (head coach) and Karthik (batting coach) for helping him evolve as a T20 batter.

Also Read: Why Sunil Narine remains Rohit Sharma’s biggest challenge as MI open IPL 2026 campaign vs KKR

"The credit for the evolution and improvement of my game goes to our Head Coach Andy Flower and our Batting Coach Dinesh Karthik bhai. They really worked hard on me. It wasn’t easy because there was a lot I needed to change. It wasn’t just technical; it was a lot mentally as well. I needed to really believe that I can play this aggressive brand of cricket. Over the last five or six years, T20 cricket has evolved a lot. When I first came into the IPL in 2020, the cricket we played was very different from what is being played now. So, it was important that I believe in myself that I can do it. I feel Andy and DK helped me get there," he said

Dissecting the run chase, he said, "It feels good to start off the new season with a win, especially at Bengaluru. The Chinnaswamy Stadium holds a special place in our hearts, and we wanted to give back to our fans who helped us win the trophy last year. When I came out to bat, Virat bhai’s only instruction was to keep the run-rate up and put pressure on the bowlers. My job was to take risks while he anchored the chase. His presence took the pressure off me and let me play freely. We knew SRH’s bowling is not very strong, so we believed we could chase down the target in a smooth manner. We lost Phil Salt early, but it was important to keep the pressure on, so SRH wouldn’t get the chance to come back into the game. We did that well and secured the win."

Chasing a target of 202 runs, RCB cruised to 203/4 in 15.4 overs. Other than Padikkal's knock, opener Virat Kohli remained unbeaten till the end, registering 69* off 38 deliveries. Initially, Ishan Kishan's 38-ball 80 took SRH to 201/9 in 20 overs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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