Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 2: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik has opened up on the franchise’s decision to bring back batter Mayank Agarwal, highlighting the player’s deep-rooted connection with Karnataka and his match-winning capabilities.
Mayank was signed by RCB in early May as a replacement for injured No. 3 batter Devdutt Padikkal, who had amassed 247 runs in 10 innings this season before being ruled out. RCB re-acquired Mayank for ₹1 crore, marking his return to the team where he began his IPL career in 2011.
Speaking in a video titled “E03: RCB’s Road to Finale” released on RCB’s official YouTube channel, Karthik emphasized the strength of the franchise’s scouting process led by Malolan Rangarajan, with support from Mo Bobat, formerly with the England setup.
“When somebody gets ruled out, it’s obviously unfortunate, but you try to replace that player as best you can… It was obvious that Mayank is the right choice. We know what he has done before. He is a local boy and has won so many games with the bat. It almost became a simple choice,” Karthik said.
In IPL 2025, Mayank has made a strong impact with 71 runs in three games at an average of 35.50 and a strike rate over 154. His unbeaten 41 in a crucial league match against Lucknow Super Giants helped RCB secure a top-two finish, and his cameo of 19 in the first Qualifier against Punjab Kings (PBKS) contributed to sealing RCB’s spot in the final.
Mayank, who played for RCB from 2011 to 2013, has since represented PBKS, DC, SRH, and RPS, accumulating 2,732 runs in 130 IPL matches, including a century and 13 half-centuries.
The IPL 2025 Final will see RCB face PBKS at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday. RCB are eyeing their first-ever IPL title in their fourth final appearance, while PBKS return to the final stage for the first time in 11 years.
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