RCB team news: THIS veteran batter replaces injured Devdutt Padikkal

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are second in the IPL 2025 point table, have named Mayank Agarwal as the replacement for Devdutt Padikkal for the remainder of the season. Left-handed top-order batter Padikkal has been ruled out of the rest of the season due to an injury to his right hamstring. 

24-year-old Devdutt Padikkal was the second-highest scorer for the side after 11 matches. He batted in 10 innings this season, scoring 247 runs, with two half-centuries, and at a strike rate of 150.60. 

34-year-old Mayank Agarwal, meanwhile, is a seasoned campaigner. "Bengaluru’s very own Mayank Agarwal, who had made his debut in the IPL for RCB returns after more than a decade. 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 INR 1 Crore," the team said in a statement. 

From 121 innings, Mayank -- who has also represented SRH, Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiants -- managed 2,661 runs. Striking at 133.05, he has a century and 13 half-centuries in the tournament.

The club also wished Padikkal a speedy recovery. "This campaign won’t be the same without you, Dev. Heal up fast, we’ll keep the fight on, and wait for your comeback next year, bold and strong!," RCB said on X. 

RCB's final three games in the league stage will see them face LSG in Lucknow on 9 May, SRH in Bengaluru on 13 May, and KKR in Bengaluru on 17 May.