RCB went shopping for a left-hander and eventually ended up with their former batter Devdutt Padikkal as part of an accelerated auction during IPL 2025 Mega Auction. They picked him up at ₹2 crore. Malolan Rangarajan, RCB's bowling coach explained, "We were very clear about wanting a left-hander. And Devdutt sat conveniently for us on day two."