Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed up Mayank Agarwal as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, the IPL announced on Wednesday (May 7).
The left-handed batsman has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL due to a hamstring injury. Missing Devdutt Padikkal will be a huge blow for RCB who are on course to qualify for the playoffs. Before suffering the injury, the southpaw was in impressive form with the bat.
Padikkal’s season ends
His performance was a key reason behind RCB’s fine run this season. In 10 games, Devdutt Padikkal scored 247 runs at a strike rate of more than 150. He also hit two half-centuries. Padikkal would also be very disappointed with the unfortunate injury that has cut short his promising campaign.
The Karnataka star was enjoying a prolific campaign after a disastrous outing in the last season of the IPL. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he managed to score only 38 runs in 7 games.
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Mayank Agarwal replaces Devdutt Padikkal:
With Devdutt sidelined, RCB have called up Mayank Agarwal. The veteran batsman had gone unsold in the last auction. In IPL 2023 2023, he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad but could not make any notable impression with the bat.
“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,” the IPL stated.
“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,” the statement added.
Agarwal has played for RCB before
Agarwal is not new to playing for RCB. He started his IPL journey with the Bengaluru-based outfit in 2011. He represented RCB for three seasons before joining Delhi Capitals in 2014. Overall, Agarwal has played 127 games in the IPL and has scored 2661 runs with the help of 1 century and 13 half-centuries.
Meanwhile, RCB are looking destined to qualify for the playoffs this season. With 8 wins from 11 games, they are currently in the second spot in the points table. Their next game is against Lucknow Super Giants on May 9.