Data Shorts: Kohli and Padikkal – method, matchups and big chases

There are 34 pairs in the IPL with 1000-plus partnership runs. Only six average over 50. Most are predictable; the outlier is Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. In 35 stands, they average 52.03 with five century partnerships. In chases, they enter rarer air: 961 runs at 73.92, with four 100-plus stands, the best average among 30 pairs with 500-plus runs in pursuits. Two of those have come this season, both scaling 200+ targets: 101 off 45 against SRH and 115 off 59 against GT.

Kohli – Padikkal partnerships

The pairing fixed a long-standing issue for RCB. Since Kohli moved to open full-time in 2023, RCB's #3 returned the worst league numbers across 2023-24: an average of 20.62, less than half the table-toppers (both above 40). Padikkal, in transit between RR and LSG without finding a home, addressed two needs: a left-hander in the middle and a #3 who naturally flows into Kohli's tempo.

Since 2025, Padikkal has faced 558 balls in the middle; Kohli has been at the other end for 79% (441 balls). As a pair, they average 64.25 and strike at 10.48. Kohli's range against pace across lengths is well documented; Padikkal mirrors it. His left-handedness disrupts matchups as teams delay left-arm or leg spin, shielding Kohli from less favourable scenarios. Kohli's strike rate in overs 7-10 drops to 118.90 from 161.61 in the Powerplay; Padikkal compensates at 161.22, fourth-best in that phase since 2025 (75+ balls).

They don't stick to one script while chasing. Against SRH, they went hard early: 76 in the Powerplay. Against GT, they waited. At 58/1 after six overs, they were behind their own curve. Then came the release: 73 in the next five overs off Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan.

"It's about putting as much pressure on the bowling side when chasing. You have to stay ahead of the game as much as possible… We want to stay ahead of the rate. If looking at 10 runs per over, we try to stay at 11 or 12. That gives you a cushion if you lose wickets." — Devdutt Padikkal

Kohli disrupted Prasidh's hard lengths with an on-the-rise hit and a charge down. He took what Rashid offered — two boundaries off long hops. Padikkal followed: two hits behind square on the leg side off Prasidh, a six over wide extra cover, then a slog-sweep off Rashid. The field moved; so did the bowling. Rabada returned; Kohli met him with a four and a six.

Padikkal's growth shows in the air. Six sixes here, his joint-most in an IPL innings, came in 25 fewer balls than his previous innings. The longer trend: from one six every 30.1 balls (2020-2024) to one every 10.3 balls (since 2025).

"The biggest plus is the number of sixes I hit. I hit six sixes — that's not very common for me personally. I'm more of a boundary hitter. So far in the IPL, this was probably my best innings." — Devdutt Padikkal

RCB's current cycle is built on spread; they have the most different Player-of-the-Match winners since 2025. Yet among regulars, only Padikkal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have not claimed it. Padikkal's impact sits between the highlights, rarely foregrounded but usually decisive.