![\"IPL](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130526023,imgsize-80426,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/devdutt-padikkal.jpg\" "\\"Devdutt")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nBENGALURU: Devdutt Padikkal\u2019s rise in the ongoing IPL season has been marked not just by runs, but by a growing sense of awareness \u2014 of situations, of bowlers, and of his game. After his defining 27-ball 55 in Royal Challengers Bengaluru\u2019s five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Friday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here, the southpaw pointed to a significant factor behind his growth\u2014 captaining Karnataka.\u201cBeing a captain has definitely given me a different perspective on the game,\u201d Padikkal said during the post-match press conference.\u201cIt\u2019s made me think a lot more about how a bowler thinks, how captains are thinking on the field, what they might look to do,\u201d he added.That shift was evident in the way he constructed his innings alongside Virat Kohli<\/a>. Walking in early in a steep chase, Padikkal showed intent, picking his moments to attack while ensuring RCB stayed ahead of the required rate.Padikkal believes that added responsibility has sharpened his decision-making. \u201cIt gives me a little more understanding as to the situation that I\u2019m in and how I need to respond,\u201d he said, adding that the leadership role has helped him refine different aspects of his game. The result has been a more complete T20 batter.His progress, however, has not come overnight. Padikkal was quick to dismiss the narrative of sudden transformation, instead framing his journey as a work in progress. \u201cThe conversations around me being different have been going on for far too long. This is who I am now,\u201d he said. \u201cYou find things you need to work on and you keep improving.\u201dHe acknowledged that there are technical differences between formats, particularly when switching from red-ball to white-ball cricket. \u201cIf you compare my Ranji Trophy batting to here, you can clearly see the changes,\u201d he added. But the foundation, he stressed, remains unchanged: \u201cThe self-belief and confidence need to stay the same.\u201dThe 25-year-old also highlighted the influence of sharing a dressing room with Kohli.For a young batter navigating his own path, observing one of the game\u2019s greats has been instructive. \u201cThe biggest thing for me is his energy and intensity,\u201d Padikkal said. \u201cEven after achieving everything, he still gives 100 per cent in every session. That kind of commitment is very hard to find.\u201dMore than anything, it\u2019s the relentless drive that has left an impression. \u201cWhen you see someone so passionate, it rubs off on everyone,\u201d added Padikkal.Meanwhile, GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya revealed Kohli was disappointed to have not reached a hundred despite his match-winning 8. \u201cAfter the game, he (Kohli) was saying he could\u2019ve converted it into a hundred. That tells you about his mindset. He is not playing to prove a point to anyone. It\u2019s about the man in the mirror – trying to be better than yesterday,\u201d said Dahiya.<\/div>\n