IPL 2025 has reached its exciting turn, and this season Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken a big decision and included experienced batsman Mayank Agarwal in the team after their star player Devdutt Padikkal was injured. Padikkal’s hamstring injury has brought about a big change in RCB’s playing XI, and at a time when the team is close to the playoffs, this change is considered very important.
RCB is currently second in the points table and is playing in great form. In such a situation, the entry of an experienced batsman like Mayank Agarwal can give new energy to the team. This move is not only a strategic decision, but it is also an attempt to strengthen the team’s batting.
Devdutt Padikkal’s injury and his performance so far
RCB’s young batsman Devdutt Padikkal has been quite impressive this season. He has so far scored 247 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.61, including two brilliant half-centuries. This time he recorded the best strike rate of his IPL career while batting at number three.
But unfortunately, a right hamstring injury ruled him out of the entire season. This is a big blow for RCB as Padikkal’s stability and aggression both gave the team a strong base in the beginning.
RCB’s performance so far
RCB’s performance in IPL 2025 has been very strong. The team has registered 8 wins in 11 matches so far and their net run rate is also very strong. They are currently second in the points table and are likely to reach the playoffs.
At a time when every match is becoming decisive, the inclusion of Mayank Agarwal in the team is being seen as an experienced option that will strengthen the team.
Mayank Agarwal’s return – entry of an experienced player
34-year-old Mayank Agarwal is an experienced IPL batsman. He has so far scored 2661 runs in 127 matches, including one century and 13 half-centuries. His strike rate has been 133.05, which is quite good for the T20 format.
Mayank played for RCB from 2011 to 2013 and then was part of many teams, including Kings XI Punjab and recently Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He played for SRH in IPL 2024 but the performance was not very special – he scored 64 runs in just 4 matches.
2024 performance and current form
Recently, Mayank Agarwal’s performance in IPL 2024 was a bit lackluster, but he also played a quick innings of 32 runs in a match in which his strike rate was 152.3. So far in his IPL career, he has hit 138 fours and 50 sixes, that is, he has hit a boundary every 5.5 balls.
Such statistics show that when Mayank is in form, he can destroy any bowling attack.
What will Mayank Agarwal bring to RCB?
RCB has included Mayank in the team for ₹ 1 crore, which shows that the team management trusts him. His arrival can give many benefits to the team:
Experience and balance under pressure
Mayank’s experience can be useful in big matches. He knows how to play under pressure and at this time RCB needs a batsman with similar thinking.
Flexibility
Mayank can open or bat in the middle order. This flexibility can prove beneficial for the team as Padikkal’s absence required a stable batsman.
Boundary hitting ability
Agarwal has an excellent boundary hitting rate – in the IPL, he hits a four every 7.5 balls and a six every 20.3 balls. This aggressive batting fits into RCB’s strategy.
Contribution in fielding
Mayank is also very active on the field. His fielding record is good – good catches and direct throws make his defense strong.
New beginning or pressure?
No team was buying Mayank Agarwal in the 2024 IPL auction, but now he will once again take the field for RCB. This comeback is like a ‘homecoming’ for him, about which RCB fans are also very excited.
RCB wrote an interesting message on social media – “Back to where he belongs after 12 years. Happy #HomeComing, Mayank.” This sentiment shows that both the team and the fans are fully supporting him.
RCB’s upcoming matches
RCB’s next matches are against Lucknow Supergiants (LSG), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). All these matches will be important in the playoff race and in such a situation Mayank’s role can be decisive.
If Agarwal is able to show his experience and playing style well, then it will be easier for RCB to get a place in the top two and reach the final.
Conclusion: Will Mayank be the key to RCB’s success?
Devdutt Padikkal’s injury is definitely a setback for RCB, but the entry of an experienced player like Mayank Agarwal can compensate for this loss. He has the skill that prepares him to perform on big occasions.
Now it remains to be seen whether Mayank will be able to capitalise on this opportunity and will he be able to help RCB win the IPL trophy for the first time? The upcoming matches will decide this. But it is certain that the end of IPL 2025 is going to be even more exciting now.
Do you think RCB will benefit from Mayank’s return?