Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol
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A Surprising Revelation Before the IPL 2026 Final
As the cricket world turns its attention toward the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Gujarat Titans, star batter Devdutt Padikkal has made headlines for reasons beyond his on-field performance. In a candid interview, the left-handed sensation opened up about his journey, leaving fans stunned when he bypassed his long-time teammate and modern icon Virat Kohli to name his true cricketing inspirations.
The Icons That Shaped a Career
When questioned about the players he looked up to while growing up, Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol, while also highlighting the immense influence of legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. This revelation caught many by surprise, particularly given that Padikkal has spent significant time in the RCB dressing room learning from Kohli. However, for Padikkal, the figures who defined India’s golden era of white-ball cricket were the ones who left the deepest impression.
Reflecting on his choices, the batter noted: “That’s a tough question. There are a few, but I would say Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh.” Both players were instrumental in India’s major triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Gambhir’s reputation for maintaining composure under immense pressure during finals and Yuvraj’s fearless, explosive style of play clearly resonated with the young Padikkal.
Memorable Moments and Personal Milestones
Beyond his childhood idols, Padikkal shared intimate details about his career trajectory. When asked about his most treasured moment in the Indian Premier League, he pointed to the ultimate goal: “winning the trophy and just lifting that trophy.” This ambition aligns with his high-stakes role in the upcoming final against Gujarat Titans.
The stylish batter also reflected on his most memorable individual performance, highlighting his spectacular century against the Rajasthan Royals during the 2021 season at Wankhede Stadium. That innings, where he scored an unbeaten 101 off just 52 balls—decorated with 11 fours and six sixes—cemented his status as a match-winner who could single-handedly dictate the terms of a game.
Behind the Scenes: Jersey Numbers and Nicknames
The interview provided a rare glimpse into the personality behind the pads. Regarding his choice of jersey number 37, Padikkal credited his mother’s interest in astrology, noting, “It’s my mom’s doing, so yeah, 37 is from there.”
He also clarified the origins of his popular nickname, “DDP,” which has become a staple for commentators and fans alike. Padikkal attributed the moniker to former New Zealand cricketer and current broadcaster Simon Doull, humorously stating, “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.”
