“Difficult To Keep Him Out”: Dinesh Karthik Backs Devdutt Padikkal for India Spot After RCB Blitz
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik has thrown his weight behind Devdutt Padikkal, suggesting that the young opener’s current form in IPL 2026 makes it hard for the BCCI to ignore him for long. Padikkal starred in RCB’s comprehensive 43-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, scoring a blistering 50 off just 29 balls.
Composure Under Pressure
Karthik, who also serves as RCB’s batting coach, praised Padikkal’s temperament during a challenging initial phase of the innings.
“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,” Karthik told Star Sports.
Once Padikkal got his first boundary, he seamlessly shifted gears, playing fluent cricketing shots and punishing loose deliveries. Karthik believes that his domestic record, combined with this form, makes a compelling case for his inclusion in the national side.
“Once he got that first boundary, you could see him switch gears. He’s playing proper cricketing shots and hitting the ball with distance. 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,” he said.
Leadership Qualities Shine
Beyond batting, Karthik highlighted Padikkal’s leadership growth in the Karnataka dressing room. At just 25, the youngster is contributing ideas and leading by example—a trait that adds to his overall value as a cricketer.
“What’s also impressive is the way he’s stepping up as a leader. Even at 25, he contributes with his ideas and leadership, and that’s great to see,” Karthik added.
RCB’s Dominant Display
Padikkal’s 50 came alongside standout performances from Tim David, who smashed eight sixes and three fours at a strike rate of 280, and Rajat Patidar, who scored a quick 48 off 19 balls. Their collective efforts helped RCB post a mammoth 250/3 and bowl CSK out for 207, handing the five-time champions their third consecutive loss.
Karthik also reflected on David’s explosive power-hitting:
“He has a very smooth swing, long levers, and all the ingredients required to hit big shots. For him, it’s about maintaining consistency in practice, especially since he often gets fewer balls in a match batting in the middle order.”
Meanwhile, former England star Kevin Pietersen noted that Patidar’s knock was the turning point, stabilizing the innings while Padikkal and other key batters took time to get going.
CSK’s Early Woes
The defeat extended CSK’s losing streak to three matches, with former India captain Anil Kumble observing that the lack of contributions from experienced batters like Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad has exposed the team’s inexperience.
“It’s a massive concern for Chennai. If your two most experienced batters haven’t fired, it becomes a serious challenge. The rest of the batting line-up, apart from Samson and MS Dhoni, is quite young,” Kumble said.
The Verdict
With IPL 2026 still in its early stages, Padikkal’s consistent form, temperament, and leadership qualities have caught the attention of selectors and mentors alike. If he continues performing at this level, it may only be a matter of time before the young RCB opener earns a call-up to the Indian team, proving that in cricket, talent and temperament can outweigh age and experience.
