Virat Kohli hopes to return to \u2018special\u2019 Chinnaswamy later this season after RCB\u2019s win over Gujarat Titans<\/a><\/b><\/p>\nThe left-hander, who has shown marked improvement in his white-ball approach, added that his transformation is part of a natural progression.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s time we forget the previous version. This is who I am now. You identify areas to improve and keep working on them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Padikkal heaped praise on Kohli for the kind of intensity with which he plays the game despite achieving almost everything cricket could offer. His big partnership with Kohli sealed the game in RCB\u2019s favour as it completed a chase of 206 with seven balls to spare.<\/p>\n
He said Kohli\u2019s intensity and passion rubs on to others in the dressing room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the biggest thing for me is his energy and intensity that he brings to every single game, every single net session. Although he\u2019s achieved everything that is there to be achieved in this game, he still continues to give his 100 per cent in every single practice session and every single match that he plays. And that kind of commitment is very hard to find.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd when you see someone really so driven and so passionate about the game, it really rubs off to everybody in the side as well. So I\u2019m sure his energy is helping everyone in the team,\u201d Padikkal said.<\/p>\n
He also credited the RCB environment for supporting his growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince joining RCB, the management has been really good in giving me direction and a pathway. The environment in the group has been special,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
He pointed out that technical adjustments while transitioning from red-ball to T20 cricket have played a crucial role.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you compare my Ranji Trophy batting with IPL, you can clearly see the changes. But the belief and confidence remain the same,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the match, Padikkal said RCB\u2019s bowlers did well at the death to keep GT in check.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last three overs (towards the end) were really important. We felt they were 15-20 runs short, which gave us confidence going into the chase,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
However, he acknowledged the need to address middle-order collapses.<\/p>\n
\u201cLosing three or four wickets in a cluster is something we need to sharpen. We could have finished the game earlier,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n
On RCB\u2019s chasing template, Padikkal stressed the importance of staying ahead of the required rate.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the rate is 10, we try to go at 11 or 12, especially in the powerplay. That cushion helps if wickets fall,\u201d he said, adding that such an approach reflects the demands of modern T20 cricket.<\/p>\n
Padikkal also expressed satisfaction with his own performance, particularly his ability to clear the ropes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest plus for me was the sixes. I hit six sixes, which is not very common for me. That was quite special,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Published on Apr 25, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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