Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol
In a surprising turn of events ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol. While many fans and analysts expected the youngster to name his long-time RCB teammate and Indian batting icon Virat Kohli, Padikkal went in a different direction, highlighting the two left-handed legends who shaped his childhood dreams.
The Surprise Revelation: Why Devdutt Padikkal Chose Gautam Gambhir Over Virat Kohli
The build-up to the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been filled with intense preparation and media interactions. During a quick-fire question-and-answer session, Padikkal was asked about the cricketing idol he grew up watching. Rather than naming Virat Kohli—with whom he has shared the RCB dressing room for multiple seasons—the stylish left-hander chose the current Indian national team head coach Gautam Gambhir and the legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.
“That’s a tough question,” Padikkal admitted during his interview on JioHotStar. “There are a few, but I would say Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh.”
This choice raised quite a few eyebrows across the cricketing community, given the massive influence Virat Kohli has on the current generation of players, especially those within the RCB camp. However, looking at Padikkal’s own style of play as an elegant left-handed top-order batsman, his admiration for Gambhir and Yuvraj makes immense sense. Both left-handers were instrumental in India’s historic World Cup victories in 2007 (T20 World Cup) and 2011 (ODI World Cup), demonstrating fearlessness and an ability to deliver under extreme pressure.
Reliving the Glory: The Influence of Gambhir and Yuvraj
Gautam Gambhir was widely recognized as India’s ultimate big-match player, anchoring the innings in both the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals. On the other hand, Yuvraj Singh’s explosive batting, dynamic fielding, and match-winning capabilities made him a global icon. For a young left-handed batsman growing up in India during the late 2000s and early 2010s, these two figures represented the pinnacle of white-ball cricket success.
Padikkal’s childhood admiration for these legends has clearly influenced his cricketing journey, helping him develop the fearless approach that has defined his latest campaign in the IPL.
Unpacking Padikkal’s Best IPL Memories and Career-Defining Moments
Beyond his cricketing idols, Padikkal shared several fascinating insights into his career during the quick-fire session. When asked about his absolute favorite cricket shot, he quickly picked the “flick shot,” a stroke that he executes with trademark elegance.
He also reflected on his most memorable innings to date. Without hesitation, Padikkal pointed to his sensational maiden IPL century for RCB against Rajasthan Royals in 2021. Playing at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Padikkal played a breathtaking knock of 101* runs off just 52 deliveries. His masterclass included 11 boundaries and 6 massive sixes, guiding RCB to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory. To this day, it remains one of the most dominant individual batting displays in the franchise’s history.
When asked what his coolest IPL memory has been so far, the young batter focused on the ultimate prize: “winning the trophy and just lifting that trophy.”
The Stories Behind Jersey Number 37 and the “DDP” Nickname
Every cricketer has unique personal quirks, and Padikkal is no exception. He shed light on the origin of his jersey number, 37, revealing that the choice was heavily influenced by family. “I think it’s something to do with astrology,” Padikkal explained. “It’s my mom’s doing, so yeah, 37 is from there.”
He also clarified how he received his popular nickname, “DDP,” which has become a staple for commentators and fans alike. The RCB star credited former New Zealand fast bowler and current commentator Simon Doull for popularizing the moniker. “I think my nickname right now that everyone talks about is DDP. And as far as I remember, it was Simon Doull who started it, so all credit,” he stated with a smile.
A Career-Best IPL 2026 Campaign for Devdutt Padikkal
The timing of these revelations comes amidst Padikkal’s finest season in the Indian Premier League. He has been a driving force behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s march to the IPL 2026 final, helping the team reach the summit clash for the second consecutive year.
This season, Padikkal has completely transformed his batting approach, showcasing a much higher level of aggression and intent. His statistics speak volumes about his impact:
- Matches Played: 15
- Total Runs: 463
- Batting Average: 35.62
- Strike Rate: 170.85
- Half-Centuries: 3
- Highest Score: 61
By scoring at a strike rate of over 170, Padikkal has provided RCB with explosive starts at the top, taking the pressure off the middle order. As RCB prepares to face the Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad, fans will be hoping that “DDP” can channel his inner Gautam Gambhir and deliver another match-winning performance on the grandest stage of them all.
Aarav Malhotra is a cricket features writer from Pune specializing in player biographies, IPL season stories, and emerging cricket talents. His content focuses on storytelling-driven sports journalism optimized for modern cricket audiences and search platforms.
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