Bengaluru, July 31 (NationPress) The Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 auction for 2025 has concluded, with Indian left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal being picked up by the Hubli Tigers for a staggering bid of Rs 13.20 lakh, marking him as the most expensive player. This significant acquisition highlights the Tigers’ ambitious strategy for the upcoming season, which is set to take place from August 11 to 27 at Bengaluru’s renowned M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Padikkal was a key player last season while playing for the Gulbarga Mystics, scoring 253 runs in 10 innings with an impressive strike rate of 140.55, featuring two fifties and leading his team to the semifinals. The Hubli Tigers, who finished as runners-up in the previous season, have strengthened their lineup by also acquiring explosive batsmen like Abhinav Manohar, aiming to take home the title this year.

“I am genuinely excited for the season. The Hubli Tigers is a fantastic franchise. I have heard a lot about them, and I am thrilled with the current squad. We seem well-rounded, so I eagerly anticipate the season. There's a vibrant atmosphere in the camp. Especially in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, you interact with many of these players throughout the year. It’s wonderful to reconnect with some of them, including a few I have played alongside before. Everything has been great so far, and I’m very pleased with the team,” Padikkal shared.

The Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Season 4 auction saw all six teams, including last season’s champions Mysore Warriors, Bengaluru Blasters, Hubli Tigers, Gulbarga Mystics, Shivamogga Lions, and Mangaluru Dragons, assemble formidable squads. The Hubli Tigers made significant moves in the auction, securing seasoned players like Mohammed Taha and Abhinav Manohar to create a robust core, while also adding young talents such as Prakhar Chaturvedi, Sankalp SS, Samarth Nagaraj, Rakshith S, Nithin Shanthaveri Nagaraja, and Yash Raj Punja to develop a well-balanced team.

“The Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 has consistently served as a premier platform for talent in Karnataka. This year promises to be no exception. I am eager to see some exciting new players emerge from this tournament,” he added.

Padikkal, one of India’s most promising young cricketers, made his international debut in July 2021 and played his first Test match in Australia, scoring a half-century in his inaugural innings. He is gearing up to make his debut for the Hubli Tigers in their inaugural match of the season against the Shivamogga Lions on August 12.

“Every match is crucial, and I strive to enhance my game. Ultimately, our goal is to win the tournament, and that remains our focus,” he concluded.