The 2025 season has just witnessed a noteworthy shuffle — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have brought in Mayank Agarwal as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal. While, Delhi Capitals also made headlines by signing Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal as a replacement for Harry Brook.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Impact Before Injury
Devdutt Padikkal, one of RCB’s most consistent performers this season, has been sidelined due to a right hamstring injury. Before the unfortunate setback, Padikkal played 10 matches, scoring 247 runs that included two solid half-centuries. His injury is a big blow to the franchise, especially as the business end of the tournament approaches.
RCB Signed Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal played 127 matches and scoring 2661 runs, including one century and 13 half-centuries, he brings a wealth of experience and maturity. Known for his crisp strokeplay and aggressive intent. Adding Mayank Agarwal is more than just a like-for-like replacement. It brings experience to the top and provides stability — something RCB has lacked in crunch games. His presence also allows flexibility, enabling RCB to shuffle the middle-order based on match-ups.
RCB’s official statement highlighted the unfortunate nature of Padikkal’s injury and expressed confidence in Mayank’s ability to step up. “We are happy to welcome Mayank into the RCB family. His experience will be invaluable,” said the head coach.
Delhi Capitals Signed Sediqullah Atal
Delhi Capitals also made headlines by signing Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal as a replacement for Harry Brook. The English batter pulled out due to personal reasons, triggering clauses in the IPL’s new regulations that may see him banned for two seasons.
Sediqullah’s Career Snapshot
Sediqullah Atal is a rising star from Afghanistan with a strike rate of 131 in 49 T20s. While he hasn’t played in the IPL before, his performance in SA20, especially the 74 off 46 balls against Pretoria Capitals, turned heads. He has represented Afghanistan in 9 T20Is, 9 ODIs, and one Test — quite an all-format cricketer at just 23.
DC is going through a rollercoaster season — after four consecutive wins, they’ve slipped to fifth place. Atal’s fresh energy might be just what they need to bounce back. As an opener or middle-order batter, he can inject a dose of unpredictability and flair.
RCB’s Performance in IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been one of the standout teams in IPL 2025, delivering consistent performances throughout the season. Their batting lineup, led by Virat Kohli, has been exceptional, with Kohli currently leading the Orange Cap race with 507 runs in 11 matches.
RCB currently tops the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points from 11 matches, thanks to their eight wins. Their recent victory over CSK by two runs helped them jump to first place, overtaking Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. With the playoffs approaching, RCB will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a top-two finish, which would give them a direct path to the final.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.