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 of form in the previous IPL season but, as the IPL 2025 Auction approaches, he could still find a fair number of teams interested in him owing to his high potential.
Padikkal burst onto the IPL scene in 2020 with RCB, amassing 473 runs in his debut season and earning the Emerging Player Award. His maiden 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 show 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 crores and there will be at least three teams interested to acquire his services in the auction.
RCB has historically faced challenges in establishing a stable opening partnership. With Faf du Plessis’s release, they will be eager to find a younger opening partner for Virat Kohli and Padikkal fits the bill perfectly owing to his familiarity with the team and the role.
Padikkal’s previous tenure with the franchise was very successful, including his standout debut season. His familiarity with the team’s environment and dynamics could facilitate a seamless reintegration. Moreover, his left-handed batting adds variety to RCB’s predominantly right-handed top order, potentially enhancing the team’s strategic flexibility.
The Delhi Capitals have released all their opening batters from previous season and now they will be on the hund for talented Indian openers. Padikkal’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed aligns with DC’s aggressive batting philosophy.
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His proficiency against both pace and spin makes him a versatile asset, capable of adapting to various match situations. Being only 24 years old, Padikkal would also serve well as a long term investment for the Capitals.
With Wriddhiman Saha not there anymore to open the innings with Shubman Gill, GT could eye Devdutt Padikkal as his partner. There is definitely Sai Sudharsan in their squad who opened with Gill in the last season in a fair number of matches, but Padikkal’s addition will only strengthen their batting lineup.
Padikkal’s consistent domestic performances and prior IPL experience make him an attractive candidate to strengthen their top order. His calm demeanour and ability to construct innings could provide stability, allowing other aggressive batters the freedom to play their natural game. Furthermore, his left-handedness offers a strategic advantage, disrupting opposition bowling plans.
