Despite his poor form last season, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to be a popular choice among franchises in the IPL 2025 auction.
Devdutt Padikkal went through a very poor run in the previous IPL season but as the IPL 2025 auction approaches, he could still find a good number of teams interested in him due to his high potential.
Padikkal burst onto the IPL scene in 2020 with RCB, amassing 473 runs in his debut season and winning the Emerging Player Award. His first IPL century came in 2021, further cementing his reputation as a promising talent.
In 2022, he was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he continued to showcase his batting talent. However, a trade in November 2023 saw him move to Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for pacer Avesh Khan. The 2024 season with LSG proved challenging for Padikkal as he managed only 38 runs, leading to his release ahead of the 2025 auction.
The 24-year-old has registered for the auction at a base price of INR 2 crore and there will be at least three teams interested in acquiring his services in the auction.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Historically, RCB has faced challenges in establishing a stable opening partnership. With the release of Faf du Plessis, they will be keen to find a younger opening partner for Virat Kohli and Padikkal is a perfect fit due to his familiarity with the team and the role.
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Padikkal’s previous tenure with the franchise was very successful, including his outstanding debut season. Your familiarity with the environment and team dynamics could facilitate a seamless reintegration. Additionally, his left-handed batting adds variety to RCB’s predominantly right-handed top order, potentially improving the team’s strategic flexibility.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
The Delhi Capitals have released all their opening batsmen from the previous season and will now be looking for talented Indian openers. Padikkal’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when required aligns with DC’s aggressive batting philosophy.
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His ability for both pace and spin makes him a versatile asset, capable of adapting to various match situations. At just 24 years old, Padikkal would also be a good long-term investment for the Capitals.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
With Wriddhiman Saha no longer there to open the innings with Shubman Gill, GT could consider Devdutt Padikkal as his partner. There is definitely Sai Sudharsan in their team, who opened with Gill last season in a good number of matches, but the addition of Padikkal will only strengthen their batting line-up.
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Padikkal’s consistent domestic performances and previous IPL experience make him an attractive candidate to strengthen their first team. His calm demeanor and ability to build innings could provide stability, allowing other aggressive hitters the freedom to play their natural game. Additionally, his left foot offers a strategic advantage, disrupting the opposition’s bowling plans.
