Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) batsman Tim David sustained an injury while fielding in the deep during RCB’s 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Despite this setback, he managed to bat briefly in the latter stages of the match.
Following the game, stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma couldn’t provide specific updates on David’s condition. With the playoffs approaching in just five days, RCB will be hoping for positive news. The incident occurred in SRH’s final over when Ishan Kishan directed a Yash Dayal full toss fine on the leg side. David sprinted to prevent a boundary, successfully keeping the ball in play, but was later seen limping off. Jacob Bethell filled in for the remaining deliveries.
David, batting at number 8, managed a solitary run off five balls before being caught at long-on in the 18th over, as RCB were all out for 189 in 19.5 overs chasing 232.
Injuries are becoming a growing concern for RCB. Regular captain Rajat Patidar is in recovery from a hand injury but was able to bat recently. Phil Salt also returned against SRH following a fitness issue. Devdutt Padikkal, however, has been ruled out for the season and replaced by Mayank Agarwal.
Looking ahead, RCB will temporarily lose Bethell due to national duties against the West Indies, with New Zealand’s Tim Seifert set to join the squad before the playoffs. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood is anticipated to be fit for the playoffs, having been in rehabilitation for a shoulder injury.
This latest defeat to SRH sees RCB slip to third in the standings, affecting their net run rate. As playoffs loom, RCB need to secure a win in their final league match and rely on favourable outcomes in other games to claim a top-two finish.
