Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were dealt a blow after Devdutt Padikkal was ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 with a hamstring injury. The franchise, second on the points table only behind Gujarat Titans on Net Run Rate, has moved in swiftly to sign Mayank Agarwal as the replacement for the rest of the campaign.
Padikkal, who had average returns in recent seasons in the IPL, was a revelation for RCB this campaign, batting at No.3 where he hit two half-centuries. He made 247 runs this season in 10 games at a strike rate of 150.61, comfortably his highest in an IPL campaign.
His replacement, Agarawal, has rich IPL experience, though, having played 127 matches in which he has registered one century and 13 fifties. RCB was Agarwal's first IPL franchise, and since then, he has had stints with multiple teams. His most recent stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad saw him score only 64 runs in four games in IPL 2024, and as a result, he went unsold in the auction late last year. The 34-year-old has now been signed up for INR 1 Crore.
In a strategic mid-season move, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has roped in seasoned opener Mayank Agarwal as a replacement for the injured Devdutt Padikkal, who has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a hamstring tear.
Key Details:
Padikkal’s Injury: The left-handed batter suffered the injury during RCB’s clash against Mumbai Indians, and scans confirmed a 4-6 week recovery timeline.
Agarwal’s Opportunity: The former Punjab Kings captain and Sunrisers Hyderabad player, who went unsold in the 2025 auction, gets a lifeline to revive his IPL career.
RCB’s Batting Boost: Agarwal’s experience (2,700+ IPL runs) adds depth to RCB’s top order, which relies heavily on Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli.
Fan Reactions:
Supporters applaud RCB for picking a proven Indian opener.
Critics question Agarwal’s recent form (averaged 22.5 in IPL 2024).
What’s Next?
Agarwal could debut in RCB’s upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings, slotting in as an opener or No. 3.
Good move by RCB? Or should they have bet on a younger talent? Let’s debate! 🏏 #IPL2025 #RCB #MayankAgarwal #CricketNews
