The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Mayank Agarwal as the replacement for Devdutt Padikkal for the remainder of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 season as they chase a spot in the IPL playoffs and a maiden IPL title. Devdutt Padikkal was ruled out of the rest of the season due to an injury to his right hamstring.
A left-handed batter, Padikkal has been a crucial part of the RCB batting line-up and was the second highest scorer for the side after 11 matches. In IPL 2025, Padikkal has batted in 10 innings, scoring 247 runs, with two half-centuries, and at a strike rate of 150.60.
Bengaluru’s very own Mayank Agarwal, who had made his debut in the IPL for RCB returns after more than a decade, the franchise announced via a press release on Thursday evening.
The dynamic right-hand batter has played 127 IPL matches, scoring 2661 runs. He has one IPL hundred and 13 fifties against his name. Mayank joins RCB for a Rs 1 crore price tag.
“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 Mo Bobat, Director of Cricket at RCB.
RCB’s final three games in the league stage will see them face Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on 9 May, Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on 13 May, and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru on 17 May.
RCB are current second in the IPL 2025 standings, with 16 points from 11 games. They are tied on points with table toppers Gujarat Titans, but are chased by teams like Punjab Kings (15 points), Mumbai Indians (14 points) and Delhi Capitals: 13 points). Among the top 5 teams, only Mumbai have played 12 games while the rest have played 11 games each.
