Having kohli

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Devdutt Padikkal praised teammate Virat Kohli after the RCB stalwart’s unbeaten century powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, saying sharing the dressing room with a player of Kohli’s stature was like ‘watching greatness’ from close quarters.

Kohli struck a commanding 105 not out off 60 deliveries as RCB chased down 193 with five balls to spare at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Padikkal played a key supporting role with a fluent 39 during a decisive 92-run partnership for the second wicket that laid the foundation for Bengaluru’s successful chase.

Reflecting on batting alongside Kohli, Padikkal said the veteran’s understanding of pressure situations and game tempo makes partnerships around him far easier to build.