Devdutt Padikkal Smashes Auction Record, Joins Hubli Tigers in Maharaja Trophy 2025

Devdutt Padikkal Smashes Auction Record, Joins Hubli Tigers in Maharaja Trophy 2025 Jul, 17 2025

Devdutt Padikkal Headlines Intense Bidding War at Maharaja Trophy Auction

The Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 auction just hit a new gear, and it's Devdutt Padikkal who stole the show. Padikkal, whose attacking style has made him a crowd favorite, became the most expensive player in the history of the league as the Hubli Tigers splashed ₹13.20 lakh to bring him in. It wasn't just an incremental rise—this set an all-time record for the developing tournament, and cricket fans around Karnataka are abuzz over the prospect of seeing Padikkal wear the Tigers' jersey.

Padikkal's move wasn't the only high-stakes action. Just behind him, Abhinav Manohar also landed a big deal—₹12.20 lakh with the same Hubli squad. By adding these two aggressive batters, the Tigers have signaled they want nothing short of the title. Both players are known for delivering under pressure and swinging momentum dramatically. Padikkal, especially, has built a reputation for explosive starts at the top of the order, often setting the tone for his team with power-packed strokeplay. If you've followed his journey in the IPL, you know why teams competed fiercely for his signature.

Manish Pandey, another experienced campaigner with international credentials, fetched ₹12.20 lakh as well. He heads to the Mysuru Warriors, last season’s champions, who look determined to keep hold of their crown. With Pandey bolstering the batting, the Warriors have opted for dependable firepower right in the heart of their lineup, blending experience with the hungry young talent already in their squad.

Squad Rebuilds Take Center Stage

The auction was as much about tactical squad building as blockbuster headlines. Mysuru Warriors hunted for value and experience, picking up all-rounder K Gowtham for ₹4.40 lakh. Gowtham's ability to contribute both with the bat and ball gives the Warriors the sort of flexibility needed to adapt through a long season. Left-arm spinner Shikhar Shetty, sold for ₹4.70 lakh, brings variety into the attack, while the likes of Venkatesh M, Gowtham Mishra, and Kumar LR were brought in for their proven bowling skills. Kumar LR, joint-highest wicket-taker last year, joins for just ₹1.50 lakh, a steal by any measure.

Wicketkeeper-batter Harshil Dharmani adds more depth at ₹3.20 lakh. Alongside him, Yashovardhan Parantap was also called up for ₹2 lakh, signaling a focus on securing batting options deeper in the order. The Warriors’ approach appears systematic—get value for money, cover all the bases, and keep their squad balanced.

Bengaluru Blasters, meanwhile, invested heavily in their bowling setup. Vidyadhar Patil was locked in for ₹8.30 lakh, a clear bid to fix what was a weak spot last season. His pace and control could well make the difference in tight games. Shivamogga Lions didn’t lag either—they snagged Vidwath Kaverappa for ₹10.80 lakh. With a knack for swinging the ball and picking early wickets, Kaverappa could be the Lions’ go-to man with the new ball.

  • Top three buys: Devdutt Padikkal (₹13.20 lakh, Hubli Tigers), Abhinav Manohar (₹12.20 lakh, Hubli Tigers), Manish Pandey (₹12.20 lakh, Mysuru Warriors).
  • Key all-round addition: K Gowtham (₹4.40 lakh, Mysuru Warriors).
  • Bowling upgrades: Vidyadhar Patil (₹8.30 lakh, Bengaluru Blasters), Vidwath Kaverappa (₹10.80 lakh, Shivamogga Lions).

Through all these moves, what comes across loud and clear is that franchises are no longer hesitant to spend big or experiment with their team compositions. As fresh faces mix with seasoned names, this year’s Maharaja Trophy promises more action, more upsets, and bigger moments than ever before.