Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol

An Unexpected Revelation Ahead of the IPL 2026 Final

Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to lock horns with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 Final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. Amidst the high-pressure preparations, RCB’s young star batsman Devdutt Padikkal shared some captivating stories and personal insights from his cricketing journey during a quick-fire session.

However, it was one particular response that sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. In a surprising turn of events, Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol, looking past the modern Indian batting icon and RCB legend when reflecting on the players he idolized while growing up.

Choosing Childhood Idols Over Dressing Room Companions

For any young cricketer coming through the ranks in Bengaluru, Virat Kohli is often the ultimate source of inspiration. Given that Padikkal has spent several seasons sharing the RCB dressing room with Kohli, many expected the former captain’s name to top his list of role models. Yet, when asked about the player he grew up watching on JioHotStar, the elegant left-hander bypassed Kohli and named current Indian national team head coach Gautam Gambhir and the legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as his ultimate inspirations.

While his choice took many by surprise, it highlights the immense impact that the heroes of India’s golden era in white-ball cricket had on a young Padikkal during his formative years. Both Gambhir and Yuvraj were the absolute cornerstones of India’s world-conquering limited-overs teams.

The Legacy of Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh

Gautam Gambhir was widely renowned for his exceptional grit, steel-nerved composure, and his unique ability to play match-winning knocks under intense pressure. His invaluable contributions at the top of the order in the finals of the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup remain legendary. On the other hand, Yuvraj Singh captured the imagination of millions with his explosive batting style, fearless attitude, and incredible match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

“That’s a tough question. There are a few, but I would say Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh,” Padikkal stated when asked to name the idols who shaped his love for the game. For a young left-handed batsman, watching these two giants dominate world cricket was clearly a defining experience.

Reliving Key Milestones: The Ultimate IPL Memories

Beyond discussing his childhood heroes, Padikkal opened up about his own path in the Indian Premier League. When asked about his absolute coolest and most special IPL memory to date, the RCB batsman highlighted “winning the trophy and just lifting that trophy” as the ultimate highlight of his career so far. It is a feeling he is incredibly eager to replicate as RCB aims for glory in the final.

When the conversation shifted to his technical preferences on the field, the left-handed batsman revealed that the “flick shot” is his favorite cricket shot to play. Furthermore, Padikkal looked back at the most memorable individual innings of his career. Without hesitation, he picked his spectacular, maiden IPL century for RCB against the Rajasthan Royals during the 2021 season at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

In that unforgettable match, Padikkal played a jaw-dropping, unbeaten knock of 101 runs off just 52 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and 6 towering sixes. His masterclass guided RCB to a highly dominant 10-wicket victory, cementing his place as one of the most exciting young talents in the country.

The Stories Behind Jersey Number 37 and the “DDP” Moniker

Every cricketer has a story behind the number they wear on their back, and Padikkal’s is deeply personal. The RCB batsman explained that jersey number 37 was chosen due to his mother’s belief in astrology. “I think it’s something to do with astrology. It’s my mom’s doing, so yeah, 37 is from there,” he shared with a smile.

Additionally, Padikkal shed light on the origin of his widely popular nickname, “DDP,” which has become a favorite among commentators, teammates, and fans alike. Padikkal credited former New Zealand international cricketer and renowned commentator Simon Doull for coining the famous abbreviation. “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,” Padikkal signed off.

Devdutt Padikkal’s Stellar IPL 2026 Campaign

This off-field revelation comes at a time when Padikkal is enjoying the most prolific and outstanding season of his IPL career. He has been a pivotal force in driving Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive final appearance. This season, Padikkal has showcased a completely revamped, highly aggressive batting approach, scoring runs at a much quicker rate than ever before.

In his 15 appearances during the tournament, the dynamic left-hander has accumulated 463 runs at an impressive average of 35.62 and an exceptional strike rate of 170.85. Along with three crucial half-centuries, his highest score of 61 has repeatedly set the tone for RCB. As the franchise prepares for the ultimate showdown against Gujarat Titans, fans will be hoping that Padikkal can channel the match-winning spirit of his idols, Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, to help RCB lift the coveted trophy once again.