Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has faced a significant setback as their star batter Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season due to a right hamstring injury. This unfortunate news comes just ahead of RCB's crucial match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), scheduled for May 9 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Padikkal, who had shown promise this season, played 10 matches for RCB, scoring 247 runs at an impressive strike rate of 150.61, which marks his best performance in any IPL campaign to date. His contributions included two half-centuries, indicating that he was finally finding his form after struggling with consistency in previous seasons. The 24-year-old batter had been batting at the No. 3 position, where he seemed to thrive and regain his mojo.
In response to Padikkal's injury, RCB acted swiftly to bolster their squad by signing experienced batter Mayank Agarwal as his replacement for the rest of IPL 2025. Agarwal, 34, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played 127 matches in the league so far. Throughout his IPL career, he has accumulated a total of 2,661 runs, which includes one century and 13 half-centuries.
RCB has secured Agarwal’s services for a sum of INR 1 crore, a move that reflects their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the tournament. Agarwal's IPL journey began with RCB, where he initially made his mark before moving to other franchises. Most recently, he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024, where his performance was relatively subdued, scoring only 64 runs in four matches.
“Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed Mayank Agarwal as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal for the remainder of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Devdutt Padikkal, who played 10 matches for RCB this season and scored 247 runs with the help of two half-centuries, sustained an injury to his right hamstring. Mayank Agarwal has played 127 IPL matches so far, scoring 2661 runs. He has 1 IPL hundred and 13 fifties against his name. He joins RCB for INR 1 Crore,” read the official statement from IPL.
The addition of Agarwal to the RCB lineup comes at a crucial time as the team currently holds the second position in the IPL points table, trailing only behind Gujarat Titans in terms of Net Run Rate. With the playoffs approaching, every match becomes increasingly vital, and RCB will be looking to make the most of their remaining fixtures.
Padikkal's absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially given his recent form. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a key player for RCB. The team will now look to Agarwal to step up and fill the void left by Padikkal. Given his experience and past performances, there is hope that Agarwal can make an immediate impact and help RCB secure vital points in the upcoming matches.
As RCB prepares for their clash against LSG, the focus will be on how the team adapts to this sudden change. The management will be counting on Agarwal's IPL experience to help guide the younger players through the pressure of the tournament.
Meanwhile, in another development within the IPL, Delhi Capitals have successfully secured Sediqullah Atal as a replacement for Harry Brook, who withdrew from the tournament prior to the season. Atal, a rising star from Afghanistan, has amassed 1,507 runs in 49 matches and is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the Capitals' batting lineup.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, teams are making strategic adjustments to their rosters in hopes of achieving their championship aspirations. With several matches still to be played, the competition remains fierce, and every decision could prove pivotal in the quest for the title.
In conclusion, the stakes are high for RCB as they navigate this challenging period without Padikkal. The upcoming match against LSG will be a test of their resilience and adaptability. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Agarwal can rise to the occasion and help RCB maintain their position in the playoff race.
