RCB's Devdutt Padikkal ruled out of IPL 2025; local boy Mayank Agarwal joins squad

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a setback, coming very close to the playoffs stage of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with opener Devdutt Padikkal ruled out of the tournament due to a right hamstring injury.

The franchise on Wednesday named Mayank Agarwal as his replacement for the remainder of the season.

"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 statement read.

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RCB sit in second place on the points table with eight wins and three losses, giving them 16 points. The team is set to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.

Padikkal played 10 matches for RCB this season and scored 247 runs, including two half-centuries. His injury comes at a crucial juncture in the league, as RCB continues to push for a playoff spot.

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The left-handed batter’s absence leaves a gap at the top of the order, which the team will hope to fill with Agarwal’s experience.

Mayank Agarwal, who joins RCB for Rs 1 crore, brings significant IPL experience. He has featured in 127 IPL matches so far, scoring 2,661 runs, including one century and 13 half-centuries.

Known for his ability to anchor innings as well as accelerate when needed, Agarwal is expected to provide stability at the top and complement RCB’s existing batting core.