We were definitely after a calm head – Mo Bobat on the signing of Mayank Agarwal

Devdutt Padikkal had an incredible season in the IPL before unfortunately, a hamstring injury ruled him out. Seasoned right-hander Mayank Agarwal was named as his replacement, with the batter making his comeback to RCB after he last played for the franchise in 2013.

Talking on RCB Game Day, Mo Bobat underlined the entire decision, wishing Dev a speedy recovery while highlighting how Agarwal slots in. He said, “We all wish him well. In terms of replacing him, Mayank was an obvious choice for us. Like all teams, whenever you get injuries, you start looking through the list of available options but you’re trying to work out what it is that you need.”

Bobat further added, “What we needed was somebody to deliver the sort of impact that Dev delivered. But we were definitely after a calm head, someone with some experience. It helps that he’s someone that’s been there and done it. As we move to the pressure games, we think that experience will be really helpful for him.”

Krunal Pandya also shared his emotions about Padikkal's injury, stating, “Obviously losing out Dev is a big loss. He was doing really well for us and I feel gutted for him.” Talking about the tournament, Pandya further added, “Overall if you see how we have played the entire season till now, we have played as a team where everyone has contributed.”

Mayank Agarwal himself spoke on his inclusion, stating, “It feels amazing. It just feels that life has come a full circle. Started off in 2011 with RCB and then just coming back now, just feels good. I think the team is really focused. There’s a very good environment. You know guys are focused but they are also relaxed and obviously they are playing good cricket.