Devdutt Padikkal Reveals 'Soft Spot' for Royal Challengers Bengaluru After Maiden IPL Title Win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Devdutt Padikkal has opened up about his deep connection with the franchise, admitting he always held a "soft spot" for the team, even when playing for rivals. Padikkal, who was retained by the defending champions ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, reflected on the emotional significance of returning to the team and helping them secure their maiden IPL title in 2025.

Padikkal played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning campaign, scoring 247 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.60. He also expressed regret over not being able to play in front of the home crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during his initial seasons due to COVID-19 restrictions. His comments highlight the strong emotional bond players develop with long-standing franchises, especially after achieving the ultimate success of winning the championship.