In what can termed as a massive blow for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), their star batter Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). As Padikkal will no longer be a part of RCB for the rest of the season, Mayank Agarwal has been announced as his replacement.
Agarwal was signed by RCB at his base price of INR 1 crore. As for Padikkal, he injured his right hamstring, forcing his exclusion for the rest of the season.
It is a disappointing end to Devdutt Padikkal’s IPL 2025 campaign. He was doing well for RCB and is still the second-highest run-scorer for his team. In 10 innings, the southpaw has smashed 247 runs at a blistering strike-rate of 150.60.
It is a homecoming for Agarwal, who made his IPL debut in 2011 for RCB. He failed to make a mark as a batter up until his arrival at the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Playing for Punjab, he hammered 424 and 441 runs in 2020 and 2021, two of his best seasons.
Punjab released him after 2022. He then donned the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) jersey. However, he did not find the same success there. So far in his IPL career, Agarwal has scored 2,661 runs in 127 matches, with the best of 106, at an average 22.74 and a strike-rate of 133.05.
"It’s really unfortunate to lose Devdutt at this stage of the tournament, especially after the impact he’s had this season. He’s been a key part of our top order. We wish him a speedy recovery. At the same time, we’re pleased to welcome Mayank Agarwal to RCB. His experience and versatility will prove valuable for us as we head into the business end of the season," said RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat.
Also read: IPL 2025: KKR vs CSK Contest Disrupted By Bomb Threat, Confirms CAB President Snehashish Ganguly
RCB Aim for Top 2 Finish
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are targeting a top-two finish in IPL 2025 to boost their chances of winning their first title. The Rajat Patidar led side has 16 points after 11 matches, giving them second position on the IPL 2025 points table.
With their three matches remaining, RCB would want to maintain the momentum to ensure that they retain the top two spot.
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