Mayank Agarwal Reflects on RCB Comeback as Franchise Faces Tough Retention Call

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Mayank Agarwal expressed pride in his short but impactful stint during the team’s long-awaited IPL 2025 title run, even as questions loom over whether the franchise should retain him ahead of next season. 

The 34-year-old stepped in as a replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, who was sidelined midway through the tournament with a hamstring injury, and made crucial contributions during RCB’s historic campaign.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Mayank recalled how unexpected the opportunity was and how he embraced the challenge. “I was in Oman when I got the call. I had to rush back to do a trial before being picked, which I thought was very professional. It challenged me to see where I stood. I’m proud I could contribute, played some good innings, [and] had crucial partnerships, including one with Jitesh. I believe I made a solid impact,” he said.

Agarwal featured in four innings for RCB, scoring 95 runs at an average of 31.66 and a strike rate of 148.83. His standout performance came against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he played an unbeaten 41-run cameo to guide RCB in chasing down their highest-ever IPL total. That innings helped the team secure a top-two finish with 19 points before they went on to defeat Punjab Kings twice in the playoffs to claim their maiden IPL trophy.

However, as the IPL 2026 retention deadline approaches, RCB find themselves in a dilemma over Mayank’s future. With Devdutt Padikkal expected to return next season and reclaim the No.3 slot, Mayank may not find a regular place in the starting XI. The team already boasts a stable batting core, making it difficult to accommodate another top-order specialist.

While RCB could retain him by releasing underperforming or unused players such as Manoj Bhandage and Mohit Rathee, Agarwal’s limited versatility poses a challenge. Unlike some of RCB’s younger options, he doesn’t bowl and isn’t naturally suited to a lower-order role.

Even though his 2025 performances were commendable, his overall IPL record remains inconsistent, marked by flashes of brilliance followed by lean patches — the same pattern that saw him go unsold last season. Releasing him could free up ₹1 crore in the auction purse, which RCB might prefer to invest in a younger, middle-order option.

For Mayank Agarwal, however, his late-season resurgence with the eventual champions may well serve as a reminder of his enduring value — if not as a regular starter, then as a proven backup capable of stepping up when opportunity calls.