Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli showered rich praise on Devdutt Padikkal, who slammed his maiden IPL ton to script the team’s thumping 10-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday (April 22).

Chasing 178 to win, Padikkal smashed 101* off 52 balls (11 fours and 6 sixes) while Kohli hit 72 not out off 47 balls (6 fours and 3 sixes) as RCB overhauled the target with 21 balls to spare.

WATCH – Virat Kohli’s cradle celebration for daughter Vamika after smashing fifty against RR

"It was an outstanding inning. He (Padikkal) batted really well for his first season last time. There was a lot of talk about him not accelerating after getting to 30s. He's put all that to rest. It was a good pitch to bat on to be honest, and him being tall meant that bowlers struggled with their lengths. T20 cricket is always about partnerships," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Commenting on his own knock, the RCB captain added: "You can't always go big from the word go. When one guy is going well, it's important for me to ensure that I don't lose my wicket. It can change on other days."

Virat Kohli also revealed his conversation with Padikkal when the southpaw was approaching his century and RCB were also on the brink of victory.   

"We spoke about it (on the 100). He told me to finish it off, I told him to get to it first. He said many will come, I said yeah you can say that after you get to the landmark. He deserved to get the three-figure mark," Kohli said.

Earlier, RR posted 177/9 in 20 overs on the back of Shivam Dube’s 32-ball 46 and Rahul Tewatia’s 23-ball 40.

Mohammed Siraj was the stand-out bowler for RCB, claiming 3 wickets by giving away 27 runs in his four overs. Harshal Patel also picked up three scalps but he was a bit expensive, conceding 47 runs in his four-over quota.

Praising his bowlers, Kohli said: "We don't have standout names (in bowling) but we have effective ones. We have depth in our bowling. They are professionals. We have taken the most wickets in the death overs this season so far and it's something we take pride in. Dev's innings was a great one but I'd also like to credit the bowlers for setting it up. (to the fans) I'd say don't be overexcited. We're being professional. We're moving in the right direction."

Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Chennai Super Kings in their next match on Sunday (April 25).

(With ANI inputs)