Bengaluru, July 31 -- At this year's Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Auction, Indian left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal was acquired by the Hubli Tigers, emerging as the most expensive player with a bid of Rs 13.20 lakh.

The star acquisition underscores the Tigers' ambitious campaign for the upcoming season, scheduled from August 11 to 27 at Bengaluru's iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Padikkal was a vital performer last season, representing the Gulbarga Mystics, where he amassed 253 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 140.55, including two fifties and helping his side reach the semi-finals. Hubli Tigers, last season's runners-up, have bolstered their squad by also acquiring explosive batters like Abhinav Manohar, aiming to clinch the title ...