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Why Karnataka Boy Devdutt Padikkal Will Be A Match-Winner For Kohli's RCB In IPL 2025

Muskaan Bhatt

Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli in IPL 2021 (Source: @OneCricketApp/X.com)Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli in IPL 2021 (Source: @OneCricketApp/X.com)

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The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin from March 21st and just like every season fans of the popular Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise hope that their team would finally lift the coveted IPL trophy. Over the years, the team has had some real talents in their mix but somehow the trophy has always eluded them. 

This year too, the line-up looks solid with star players from not just around the country but all over the world. Players like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar all shine in Virat Kohli's new squad for the 18th edition of IPL.

With so many stunning talents in the mix, there is one player grabbing all the limelight and attention for his outstanding exploits in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and it's Karnataka's Devdutt Padikkal, who is expected to be a match-winning player for the Bengaluru franchise.

In this article, let us take a look at two key reasons why Devdutt Padikkal will help RCB win IPL 2025 season.

1) Padikkal Surprasses Virat Kohli With A Unique Feat

Devdutt Padikkal’s exceptional consistency in List A cricket, with the highest average of 82.52 among batters with over 2000 runs, highlights his immense potential as a match-winner for RCB in IPL. His ability to consistently score runs, as seen in his 2063 runs from just 31 matches, makes him a reliable player. He has gone past Ruturaj Gaikwad, former Australia cricketer Michael Bevan and even Virat Kohli in the process by clocking the highest average in the history of List A cricket among batters with a minimum of 2000 runs.

Padikkal's form was further proven during the India A tour in Australia, where he impressed with a crucial 88-run innings as a result of which he stayed back with the Indian team and even featured in the Perth Test. His blend of technique, composure, and maturity at such a young age equips him to anchor innings and accelerate at key moments, making him a pivotal player for RCB.

2) Karnataka Star Padikkal's Stats Speak On His Behalf

Despite having a challenging 2024 IPL season where he scored only 38 runs from seven innings for LSG, Padikkal has historically proven his reliability and consistency for RCB. The two IPL seasons he has played for the Challengers have been nothing short of impressive, underlining his immense potential. 

In 2021, he played 14 matches for RCB, amassing 411 runs at an average of 31.61, with a strike rate of 125.30, including a match-winning 101*—his maiden IPL century. In 2020, Padikkal showcased his consistency, scoring 473 runs in 15 games at an average of 31.53 and a strike rate of 124.80, with five 50+ scores. 

These stellar performances not only made him one of the top run-scorers for RCB but also demonstrated his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when required. With his remarkable consistency and composure, Padikkal is a key player with immense match-winning potential for RCB in the season to come.