Devdutt Padikkal's comeback to Royal Challengers Bengaluru has turned out to be quite successful, as his capability to support Virat Kohli has formed one of the more effective partnerships in the IPL. With a 95-run partnership for the second wicket against Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Padikkal and Kohli accomplished their fourth 50+ partnership of the season, with all four also exceeding 80 runs.

Padikkal experienced a slow beginning to the IPL season, but has rebounded with 151 runs in his last three innings, all scored at a commendable rate. Meanwhile, Kohli’s impressive season continued with a 70(42), elevating him to second place in the Orange Cap standings, just behind Sai Sudharsan.

Most partnership runs in IPL 2025:

Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill: 448 runs

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal: 429 runs

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt: 376 runs

Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler: 352 runs

Commenting on the effectiveness of the partnership between Kohli and Padikkal, former South African legend Shaun Pollock noted that Kohli possesses the right mindset in managing Padikkal’s innate skill during the middle overs, particularly as Kohli appeared to be encouraging his younger partner, celebrating Padikkal’s 50 with enthusiasm as well.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Pollock stated: “You do mature individually. It’s massive when you have a player of the like of Kohli on the other side, and he’s coming down between deliveries, saying don’t worry, it’s going to be fine. ”

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Pollock also suggested that Kohli’s strategic awareness of constructing an innings can support his partners in pacing themselves effectively. After Padikkal had a cautious start, he ignited his innings by attacking Riyan Parag's spin and Tushar Deshpande's pace during the middle overs.

“Just remember who’s going to come, Parag might bowl an over or we can go after Deshpande, just some words of advice to calm him down, to say it’s not the end of the world, just hang in there, your time will come,” Pollock explained regarding the advantage of having Virat Kohli on the other end.

Kohli and Padikkal’s 95-run partnership set the stage for a powerful finish to the innings, as even though they were dismissed within two overs, late hitting from Jitesh Sharma and Tim David propelled the score to 203-5. On a challenging Bangalore pitch, this total was deemed above par, resulting in an 11-run victory that positions RCB as one of the frontrunners to secure a playoff spot.

Read Also: Pakistan Cricketer Declines World Cup Spot, Cites Need for a Break

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