Will Mayank Agarwal Be RCB’s Wild Card Against SRH?

When was the last time Mayank Agarwal made headlines in the IPL? It was ages ago, right? Here we are in 2025, and the ex-Punjab captain could be walking back into the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) like he’s ready to take names. The catch? He hasn’t played a game this season yet. With Devdutt Padikkal out and the playoffs approaching, RCB suddenly needed a decent number three and might be looking in Mayank’s direction. But can he just turn it on that fast? Round this all up.

Mayank’s Redemption Arc: A Comeback Story in the Making?

Let’s not kid ourselves here—Mayank’s IPL journey has been a little rocky as of late. From captain of Punjab to unsold at the auction, it has been a little turbulent, which is ultimately why this potential return is interesting. He has something to prove. When someone’s ego is bruised like that, it usually ignites a fire in that player to come back. And let’s face it, there are few things more enjoyable in cricket than watching a hungry, upset player walk back onto the stage and put everyone to silence.

RCB has invited him in as a replacement, not just to cover for injury, but to potentially fill a serious hole in their top order. Salt and Kohli may set the table, but the feast still needs hungry hands. This is a theatre. A low-pressure game before the playoffs gives him a perfect runway. No massive expectations. Just a bat, a pitch, and the opportunity to start a new story.

Also read:- Ishan Kishan and the Sunrisers Saga: A Swing, A Miss, and What Really Went Wrong

RCB’s Top-Order Puzzle: Will Mayank Fit or Fizzle?

Alright, here’s the tricky part. Salt and Kohli started great, but Salt’s break and now possibly going home for the birth of a child have added some more uncertainty to that area. Rajat Patidar has also slumped, and his recent finger injury isn’t helping either.

RCB is looking for stability at number three. History suggests that they want someone who can bat long, rotate the strike, and offer the odd big hit. That’s where Mayank fits in. He may not hit sixes ridiculously, but he has experience and good technique, not one looking from a distance. If he can tap into their aggressive style without disturbing his own game, then he may be what they didn’t know they needed.

Low Pressure, Big Opportunity: Timing Couldn’t Be Better

RCB’s game against SRH is not “win or go home”. They have qualified for the playoffs, so they are in a good place. And that is why this is probably the best time for Mayank to play. Every cricketer has this type of game in which to perform with little pressure but potentially a lot of upside.

If Mayank comes off, he brings RCB runs and depth. Think about heading into the playoffs with Kohli, Salt (assuming he can play), and a confident Mayank playing at the top. That is a pretty scary batting order for anyone to face. And if it doesn’t work? Well, there are other options for RCB. But having Mayank go now is far better than throwing him into a win-or-go-home situation untested.

RCB’s gamble on Mayank Agarwal is not only about filling a gap but is also a calculated risk on a player who has every motivation to come out firing. The storyline has been written—a redemption story, low pressure, big stage. It’s all there. Now it will be up to Mayank to seize the moment and make it happen.

Will he take his opportunity, or will he disappear as he has so many times in the past? We will be watching the opening chapter of an incredible comeback. What do you reckon—does Mayank have one last great chapter left in him?