Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal Shine in RCB’s Chase Against KKR
In the IPL 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have shown a consistent pattern when chasing big scores. Virat Kohli anchors the innings while Devdutt Padikkal takes on the bowlers, turning a challenging chase into a comfortable victory.
In a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Raipur, this duo was at it again. RCB chased down a target of 193, winning by six wickets with five balls to spare. Their strong partnership of 92 runs for the second wicket was pivotal in changing the game’s momentum.
The standout element for the rest of the teams is that Kohli and Padikkal don’t just perform occasionally—they are becoming a powerful combination. In fact, three of the top four partnerships in successful IPL 2026 chases involve them.
Earlier in the season, they produced a remarkable 115-run partnership while chasing 206 against the Gujarat Titans, scoring at an impressive rate. They also added 101 runs in just 7.3 overs during their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, showing their ability to perform under pressure.
However, the pitch in Raipur presented challenges—it was slower and tough for batting. Both Kohli and Padikkal approached their innings carefully before shifting gears.
Kohli’s calm leadership helps to settle the chase, while Padikkal’s aggression eases the pressure off him. At one moment, it looked like KKR might find a way in, especially after Kohli’s earlier struggles. But Padikkal quickly turned the tide, punishing any loose deliveries and allowing Kohli to find his rhythm.
Even after Padikkal’s dismissal for a solid 39 runs, the game felt well within RCB’s grasp. Kohli went on to score an unbeaten 105 runs off 60 balls, reaching his century in the final overs, becoming the fastest player to rack up 14,000 runs in T20 cricket.
After the match, Padikkal expressed his admiration for batting alongside Kohli: “It’s incredible to watch him perform,” he said, dismissing any concern about Kohli’s earlier setbacks.
Kohli himself shared how the recent pressure had reignited his drive. “Pressure is a privilege,” he said, highlighting how it keeps him motivated and focused. He admitted that facing some challenges made him work harder, ultimately benefiting his performance in the match.
With their strong partnership and understanding on the field, Kohli and Padikkal have established themselves as one of the most effective pairs in IPL 2026, leaving their rivals to rethink their strategies.
