“I loved batting with him”: AB de Villiers recalls batting partnerships with Devdutt Padikkal at RCB

“I loved batting with him”: AB de Villiers recalls batting partnerships with Devdutt Padikkal at RCB

AB de Villiers Praises Devdutt Padikkal for Stunning Batting Performance

Former South Africa National Team and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter AB de Villiers has showered praise on Devdutt Padikkal for his exceptional batting display during the India vs Sri Lanka Test match in Galle. Padikkal, who replaced the injured Sai Sudharshan at No. 3, scored a magnificent 167 runs, showcasing his talent and skill on the field.

Memorable Partnerships in RCB

AB de Villiers, speaking on his official YouTube channel AB de Villiers 360, reminisced about his time with Padikkal in the RCB dressing room during the 2020 and 2021 seasons of the Indian Premier League. De Villiers expressed his admiration for Padikkal’s ability to face short-pitched deliveries effectively despite being a subcontinent batter.

“I loved batting with him in 2020 and 2021 because he’s a left-hander. A tall bloke who plays the short ball pretty well, considering he’s from the subcontinent. He’s one of the new generation modern Indian batters who can play the short ball really well,” de Villiers remarked.

The former South African batter also praised Padikkal for his humble and receptive attitude both on and off the field. De Villiers highlighted Padikkal’s calm and collected demeanor, along with his eagerness to learn from experienced players like himself.

Dynamic Batting Partnerships

De Villiers went on to describe how he and Padikkal strategized to outplay opposing bowlers by maintaining swift communication and taking advantage of their left-hand and right-hand combination. This partnership often left bowlers in a dilemma as they struggled to break the duo’s strong bond on the field.

“We strategized out there in the middle, and I loved chatting to him about our next moves. We took some of the bowlers apart by rotating strike as a left-right combination. He would tell me which bowlers he wanted to attack, and I would do the same, and that’s how we completed our partnership,” AB de Villiers revealed.

Padikkal’s Impact in the IPL

Devdutt Padikkal, aged 26, has been a key player for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in multiple IPL seasons. With impressive performances in the 2025 and 2026 editions, Padikkal played a crucial role in RCB’s success. In the 2026 season, he scored 464 runs in 15 innings with a strike rate of 168.72, contributing significantly to the team’s victories.

AB de Villiers’ admiration for Devdutt Padikkal’s talent and character highlights the strong bond shared by the two players during their time at RCB. As Padikkal continues to shine on the field, his partnership with de Villiers serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and communication in cricket.

Devdutt Padikkal’s Rise to Prominence

Devdutt Padikkal’s journey to becoming a cricket sensation has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Karnataka, Padikkal made his mark in domestic cricket before catching the attention of IPL scouts. His consistent performances in domestic tournaments earned him a spot in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, where he proved his mettle as a top-order batsman.

Padikkal’s elegant strokeplay and sound technique quickly established him as a player to watch in the cricketing world. His ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when needed has set him apart from his peers. With a solid temperament and an eye for big scores, Padikkal has become a valuable asset for any team he represents.

Impact on Indian Cricket

As Devdutt Padikkal continues to impress with his batting prowess, many cricket pundits have touted him as a future star for the Indian national team. With his solid technique and adaptability to different formats of the game, Padikkal has all the makings of a successful international cricketer. His recent performance in the Test match against Sri Lanka only solidifies his potential as a player who can thrive in all conditions.

Given India’s quest for a stable opening partnership in all formats of the game, Padikkal’s name is increasingly being mentioned as a potential solution to this longstanding issue. His ability to provide solid starts and build partnerships makes him a valuable asset for any team, whether in Test cricket, ODI, or T20 formats.

Mentorship and Guidance from AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers’ mentorship and guidance have played a crucial role in shaping Devdutt Padikkal’s career. The insights and strategies shared by de Villiers during their time together at RCB have undoubtedly contributed to Padikkal’s growth as a player. Learning from a seasoned campaigner like de Villiers has provided Padikkal with valuable lessons on handling pressure situations, building partnerships, and honing his skills to excel at the highest level.

The bond between de Villiers and Padikkal extends beyond the cricket field, with the former sharing his wealth of experience with the young talent. This mentorship dynamic has not only benefited Padikkal individually but has also had a positive impact on the team dynamics at RCB, fostering a culture of learning and growth among the players.

Future Prospects and Expectations

As Devdutt Padikkal continues to evolve as a cricketer, the expectations on him are bound to soar. Fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate his performances in upcoming tournaments, both at the domestic and international levels. With an impressive track record and the guidance of mentors like AB de Villiers, Padikkal is poised to achieve great heights in his cricketing career.

His ability to adapt to different conditions, his penchant for building partnerships, and his knack for scoring big runs make Padikkal a valuable asset for any team he represents. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience on the field, the future looks bright for this young cricketing prodigy.

By leveraging his talent, hard work, and the mentorship of seasoned players like AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal is well on his way to leaving a lasting impact on the world of cricket. As he continues to dazzle fans with his elegant strokeplay and match-winning performances, Padikkal’s journey promises to be one filled with success and accolades.

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