Devdutt Padikkal becomes most expensive signing at Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 auctions

The 2025 Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Auction witnessed a record-breaking signing, with Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal being acquired by the Hubli Tigers for a whopping INR 13.20 lakhs, making him the most expensive player in the history of the tournament’s auction.

The Hubli Tigers, last season’s runners-up, entered the auction with the biggest purse of INR 41.50 lakhs, and made sure to get Padikkal. Furthermore, Hubli also secured Abhinav Manohar for INR 12.20 lakhs, the second-highest signing of the auction. Together, Padikkal and Manohar are set to make a strong batting line-up for the Hubli-based team.

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Padikkal played for Gulbarga Mystics last season, scoring 253 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 140.55, leading his side to the semi-finals. Despite this, the Mystics opted to release him ahead of the 2025 edition, retaining the likes of Luvnith Sisodia and Smaran R, who were the franchise’s top run-scorers last year.

Just a year ago, Padikkal represented Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2024. The southpaw managed only 38 runs in seven innings. However, in the 2025 season, he was picked by the home team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the base price of INR two crore. Batting at No. 3, he scored 247 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.61, including two fifties. He played a crucial role in the middle before an injury ended his campaign before the playoffs.

Top buys in 2025 Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 auction:

Devdutt Padikkal: INR 13.20 lakhs (Hubli Tigers)

Abhinav Manohar: INR 12.20 lakhs (Hubli Tigers)

Manish Pandey: INR 12.20 lakhs (Mysore Warriors)

Vidwath Kaverappa: INR 10.80 lakhs (Shivamogga Lions)

Vidyadhar Patil: INR 8.40 lakhs (Bengaluru Blasters)