IPL 2025: Is RCB's Signing of Agarwal a Game Changer for Injured Padikkal? DC Brings in Atal as Brook's Replacement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- RCB signs Agarwal as Padikkal's injury replacement.
- DC introduces Atal in place of Harry Brook.
- Padikkal scored 247 runs this season.
- Atal had a standout performance with 85 runs against Australia.
- Upcoming matches are pivotal for both teams.
New Delhi, May 7 (NationPress) Major changes have unfolded in IPL 2025 today as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has secured the services of Mayank Agarwal to cover for the injured Devdutt Padikkal. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) have introduced Sediqullah Atal, an opener from Afghanistan, as a replacement for the England batsman Harry Brook.
Padikkal, who participated in 10 matches this season for RCB, accumulated a total of 247 runs, including two half-centuries. Unfortunately, he is now sidelined due to a right hamstring injury. In his stead, RCB has enlisted Agarwal, who boasts experience from 127 IPL matches, amassing 2,661 runs, with one IPL century and 13 fifties, previously playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS).
On the flip side, Atal gained attention for his outstanding performance, scoring 85 runs against Australia in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. Across 49 T20 matches in different leagues, he has scored 1,507 runs at an impressive average of 34.25, which includes 13 half-centuries.
Atal first came into the spotlight during the Kabul Premier League 2023, where he remarkably scored 48 runs in a single over. He concluded that innings unbeaten with a staggering score of 118 runs off just 56 balls, featuring seven fours and ten sixes. He also achieved a century in the tournament final, scoring 103 runs off merely 42 deliveries.
Atal was instrumental in Afghanistan's championship victory at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, leading the run-scorers with 368 runs in just five matches. He now joins DC as a substitute for Brook, who withdrew from the tournament due to personal issues.
“We are thrilled to welcome Atal to the Delhi Capitals. He is a captivating young talent who has captivated everyone with his performances for both the Afghanistan youth and senior teams. As we enter this crucial phase of the tournament, his contribution will undoubtedly enhance our batting strength,” expressed DC head coach Hemang Badani.
RCB, currently in second place, will face the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, while fifth-placed DC aims to climb into the top four of IPL 2025 when they take on the Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Thursday.