Devdutt Padikkal’s development in T20 cricket resembles growth spurts in a baby. Like how in the blink of an eye a child starts walking, talking and outgrowing its shoes, the 25-year-old southpaw’s progress has come at an astonishing pace.

Against the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League here on Friday (April 24, 2026), Padikkal provided another piece of evidence with a rollicking 27-ball 55 that helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru register an impressive five-wicket win.

It was his third half-century this campaign, after the 26-ball 61 versus Sunrisers Hyderabad and the 29-ball 50 against Chennai Super Kings, and all have come in victories.

“It’s time we forget the previous version,” Padikkal declared emphatically, when asked about his evolution. “The conversations around me being different have been going on for far too long. This is who I am now.”

The knock against the Titans will be extra special because he hit more sixes than fours (six to two), a quality that scores high in present-day T20 batting. His career IPL numbers are 69 sixes to 209 fours.

“The fact that I was able to hit six sixes was quite special. That’s not something very common for me. I am more of a boundary [fours] hitter. So I feel this was my best innings in this IPL so far.”

His elevation as Karnataka’s captain during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season has helped, Padikkal stated.

“Being a captain has made me think a lot more about how [opposing] bowlers and captains are thinking. It has given me a bit more understanding of the situations and how I need to respond. It has helped me find parts of my game and refine them.”