Will Mayank Agarwal find a place in RCB Playing 11 vs SRH on May 23?

Mayank Agarwal is expected to slot directly into RCB Playing XI vs SRH, especially as the franchise is grappling with injuries to key players

With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) having already secured a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs, the franchise’s next objective is to finish the league stage among the top two teams on the points table.

 

To achieve that, they will need to select their Playing XI carefully—ensuring continuity at the crucial tail-end of the tournament. 

 

RCB’s team selection has come under scrutiny, especially as their first match after the IPL 2025 resumption was abandoned without a toss. Additionally, the unavailability of key players due to international commitments and injuries has complicated matters.

 

Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 247 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.61, has been ruled out of the tournament. He has been replaced in the squad by Mayank Agarwal.

 

The 34-year-old Mayank is expected to slot directly into the Playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad, especially as the franchise is grappling with injuries to players like skipper Rajat Patidar and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. 

 

Mayank Agarwal stats in IPL history

Mayank Agarwal batting and fielding stats in Indian Premier League history
Year	Mat	No	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s	CT	ST
Career	127	4	2661	106	22.74	2000	133.05	1	13	263	98	58	0
2024	4	0	64	32	16	57	112.28	0	0	8	1	2	0
2023	10	0	270	83	27	210	128.57	0	1	29	6	6	0
2022	13	0	196	52	16.33	160	122.5	0	1	23	6	10	0
2021	12	1	441	99*	40.09	314	140.44	0	4	42	18	5	0
2020	11	0	424	106	38.54	271	156.45	1	2	44	15	6	0
2019	13	0	332	58	25.53	234	141.88	0	2	26	14	7	0
2018	11	1	120	30	12	94	127.65	0	0	9	5	2	0
2017	3	0	26	20	8.66	27	96.29	0	0	3	0	1	0
2016	3	0	27	10	9	25	108	0	0	3	1	0	0
2015	10	1	213	68	23.66	177	120.33	0	2	23	7	3	0
2014	8	0	115	31	14.37	91	126.37	0	0	12	3	1	0
2013	5	0	67	29	13.4	62	108.06	0	0	6	3	3	0
2012	16	1	225	64*	20.45	158	142.4	0	1	19	15	9	0
2011	8	0	141	41	20.14	120	117.5	0	0	16	4	3	0

 

From shock snub to RCB comeback: Mayank Agarwal’s resilient journey back to the IPL

 

When Mayank Agarwal went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, it left many in the cricketing world stunned. In a league where experienced Indian batters with solid strike rates are in high demand, Agarwal’s omission was unexpected. The seasoned campaigner has played 127 IPL matches with a strike rate of 133.05, often delivering impactful performances that made the difference for his side.

 

A period of silence and reflection 

In the immediate aftermath of the IPL 2025 auction, one of the most surprising developments was Mayank Agarwal going unsold. For a player with a strike rate of 133.05 across 127 IPL matches, and a history of influencing key contests, the snub raised eyebrows. The silence following the auction extended beyond the cricketing world—reaching even his closest confidants. 

 

Mayank’s long-time coach Rx Muralidhar described the days following the auction as unusually quiet. For someone accustomed to regular cricket conversations with the batter, the break in communication reflected the depth of disappointment. Cricket administrator Sait also expressed surprise, especially given Agarwal’s previous credentials with the Indian team and his stint as an IPL captain.

 

Turning setback into opportunity 

Rather than dwell on the setback, Mayank redirected his focus towards improvement. Recognising the risk of falling into self-doubt, he instead chose to view the situation as a chance to reset his game and mindset.

 

His training was tailored to enhance match-finishing ability and increase versatility with the bat. The technical adjustments included unorthodox shots like the ramp and reverse sweep. On the fitness front, Agarwal pushed himself to become leaner and more agile, realising that transformation would only be complete with physical as well as mental readiness.

 

Mental reset and tactical growth

  A significant aspect of his reinvention lay in mental conditioning. Vipassana meditation became a central practice in his routine, helping calm the mind and provide clarity. Alongside, Agarwal took up a Level-2 coaching course, broadening his perspective on the sport and its nuances. 

 

Known for his meticulous thinking, Mayank recognised that overanalysis could be both a strength and a burden. His revised mindset aimed at balance—using introspection as a tool for growth rather than anxiety.

 

Back with RCB after a decade 

The opportunity to rejoin Royal Challengers Bangalore came when Devdutt Padikkal was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Agarwal, who last represented RCB in 2013, was brought in as a replacement—a decision that highlighted the team’s trust in his experience and temperament.

 

RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, pointed to Agarwal’s ability to deliver under pressure and his calm demeanour as key factors behind the selection. As the team heads into the business end of the tournament, such qualities were deemed crucial.

 

A full circle moment

  For Agarwal, the return to RCB marked a personal milestone. Beginning his IPL journey with the franchise in 2011, the  comeback felt like a homecoming. The current RCB squad, he observed, was focused yet relaxed—fostering an environment conducive to performance.

 

With a renewed mindset, refined skills, and a second chance, Mayank Agarwal’s journey back into the IPL serves as a compelling narrative of resilience, reinvention, and redemption.