Rajat Patidar, the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), is steadily healing from a finger injury that could have sidelined him for a couple of IPL 2025 matches. The tournament’s suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, however, offers him the time to recuperate without missing any games.
Patidar incurred the injury during RCB’s clash against Chennai Super Kings on the 3rd of May. Medical advice included wearing a splint to shield the finger and refraining from any training for ten days to allow for a comprehensive evaluation.
RCB is treading carefully with Patidar’s recovery, eyeing his participation in the playoffs and his potential inclusion in the upcoming India A tour of England. An official announcement regarding the tour squad is imminent.
Patidar accompanied his team back to Bengaluru from Lucknow on Saturday. Despite his injury, he is hopeful of rejoining the IPL competition, assuming it resumes following the ceasefire announced between India and Pakistan.
With Patidar out of action, Jitesh Sharma was set to lead RCB against Lucknow Super Giants before the BCCI’s decision to pause the league. Jitesh expressed his feelings on RCB Bold Diaries, saying, “I was very grateful for the opportunity given to me. They were giving me an opportunity to captain RCB and it’s a very big thing for me and my family. I was thinking of what the right combination would be because both Devdutt [Padikkal] and Rajat were not available, and it was a big responsibility to replace them.”
RCB has faced a spate of injuries: Phil Salt fell ill, with Jacob Bethell stepping in; Devdutt Padikkal’s campaign ended due to a hamstring issue, prompting Mayank Agarwal’s inclusion; and Josh Hazlewood is dealing with a shoulder injury.
As of Sunday, RCB’s foreign players and coaching staff have left India, yet remain ready to return should the tournament recommence.
RCB was sitting second in the standings when the IPL paused, boasting eight wins from 11 matches. Their remaining fixtures include a visit to Lucknow Super Giants, and home games against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, though venue adjustments might be on the cards pending schedule updates.
