Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar is currently recovering from a finger injury sustained during a home match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3. Had the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 not been paused due to rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the injury would have sidelined him for at least two games.
Patidar injured his finger while fielding and was advised to wear a splint and avoid training for a minimum of 10 days before a reassessment. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, speaking on RCB Bold Diaries, shared that he had been informed he would captain the side against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow last Friday.
“I was extremely thankful for the opportunity,” Jitesh said. “Captaining RCB would have been a huge moment for me and my family. I was already thinking about the right combination with both Devdutt [Padikkal] and Rajat unavailable — it was a big task to step in for them.”
IPL to re-start soon
The BCCI has confirmed a one-week suspension of the IPL. With ceasefire being announced, there’s growing optimism that the ten-team tournament could resume soon. The break is proving beneficial for Patidar, giving him valuable time to recover. RCB will be hopeful that their skipper returns fully fit once the cash-rich league resumes.
The franchise is closely monitoring Patidar’s recovery and rehan, especially with a view to his potential participation in the IPL playoffs and possible selection for the India A tour of England.
A fully fit Patidar would strengthen RCB’s campaign as they continue their quest for a maiden IPL title.
