Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Devdutt Padikkal has been enjoying a dream run on the cricket field. Fresh off RCB’s second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title win after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the 2026 final, the 25-year-old has been in sensational form. His back-to-back match-winning performances have impressed fans and critics alike, shining a spotlight on the disciplined diet and fitness routine that fuel his success.
Athletes are often assumed to follow highly restrictive diets filled with exotic superfoods and complicated meal plans. However, Padikkal says that couldn’t be further from the truth. (Also read: Kangana Ranaut promotes millets and colourful thali for balanced diet, says ‘eat local, eat seasonal’ for better health )
Devdutt Padikkal busts myth that athletes follow extreme diets
In a recent conversation with sports presenter Jatin Sapru, the cricketer opened up about his approach to nutrition and fitness, revealing that consistency matters more than perfection.
“Those were the three things I needed to be really careful with. That is something I focused on more than trying to get a certain amount of anything. Since I don’t eat for taste, I have to make sure I don’t eat too much. I didn’t really pay too much attention to the numbers. I’m 25, but I’m sure once I get closer to 30, those things will start coming into the picture as well,” Devdutt said.
The batter also addressed one of the biggest misconceptions about elite athletes, the belief that they avoid everyday foods. “A lot of people think that athletes don’t eat regular foods and follow extremely strict diets. That’s actually one of the biggest myths. To be honest, this is probably the most common breakfast you’ll see among athletes, especially cricketers. Every morning, most of us have a dosa, an omelette, and some fruits. And it doesn’t really change much,” Devdutt revealed.
Why dosa is a breakfast staple for cricketers
According to him, the meal offers the right balance of nutrients needed to begin the day. “I see different variations of eggs, but apart from that, it’s pretty stable. It’s an easy way to get protein in. As for the dosa, I think it’s mainly a great source of carbohydrates. Early in the morning, it’s quite hard to find the right sources of carbs. Of course, we have gels and sports drinks that provide direct carbohydrates, but dosa is probably the simplest and most convenient way to get them,” he said.
The Karnataka-born cricketer also added a light-hearted reason for the breakfast staple’s popularity among players from the south. “And as South Indians, we enjoy it a lot more, so I guess that gives us an excuse too,” Devdutt joked.
His comments serve as a reminder that elite performance isn’t always built on complicated diets. Sometimes, a simple plate of dosa, eggs, and fruits, combined with discipline, training, and consistency, can go a long way in helping athletes perform at the highest level.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
