After going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Mayank Agarwal has made a remarkable comeback to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), stepping in as a replacement for the injured Devdutt Padikkal. This return marks a full-circle moment for Agarwal, who began his IPL journey with RCB back in 2011.

Despite the initial setback of not being picked in the auction, Agarwal’s impressive performance in domestic cricket kept him in the spotlight. Leading Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024–25, he amassed 651 runs in 10 matches, including four centuries, guiding his team to the title.

RCB’s Strategic Move Amidst Injury Setback

RCB faced a significant blow when opener Devdutt Padikkal was ruled out of the season due to a right hamstring injury. To fill this void, the franchise turned to the experienced Agarwal, recognizing his consistent domestic form and familiarity with the team dynamics.

A Noteworthy Comeback Match

On May 23, 2025, Agarwal was named in RCB’s playing XI for their match against SunRisers Hyderabad, marking his return to the team after 12 years. Although he scored 11 runs off 10 balls, his inclusion brought depth and experience to the batting lineup.

Looking Ahead

As RCB aims for a top-two finish in the league stage, Agarwal’s presence could be pivotal in the upcoming matches. His journey from being unsold to making a significant impact underscores the importance of perseverance and consistent performance in cricket.

Mayank Agarwal’s return is not just a personal victory but also a testament to RCB’s strategic acumen in bolstering their squad during crucial junctures of the tournament.