Big Blow for RCB: Devdutt Padikkal Ruled Out of IPL 2025, Mayank Agarwal Named Replacement

In a major setback for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in-form batter Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a right hamstring injury. Mayank Agarwal has been named as his replacement and signed for ₹1 crore.

Padikkal has been a key player for RCB this season, scoring 247 runs, including two half-centuries, and playing several match-winning innings. His performances helped propel RCB to second place on the table with 14 points from 11 matches, significantly boosting their playoff hopes.

Agarwal, a seasoned campaigner and former Punjab Kings captain, was with Sunrisers Hyderabad for the past two seasons. However, he had limited opportunities, featuring in only four games in IPL 2024 and scoring 64 runs. His standout season came in IPL 2021, where he amassed 441 runs in 12 innings.

RCB are set to face Lucknow Super Giants on May 9, and it remains to be seen if Agarwal is slotted straight into the playing XI or eased in after a few practice sessions.