Rajat Patidar Injury Update: Jitesh Sharma Confirms RCB Skipper Status

Concern for RCB as Rajat Patidar Remains Sidelined

The IPL 2026 season has thrown a curveball to the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as their regular captain, Rajat Patidar, was notably absent from the toss during their recent encounter against the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. With the tournament reaching its critical final league stages, the absence of a key leader has naturally sparked concern among the loyal RCB fanbase.

Stepping in to lead the side, wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma addressed the media and the concerned supporters, providing an official update on Patidar’s health and his potential return to the playing eleven.

The Origin of the Injury

The fitness concerns surrounding Patidar trace back to RCB’s high-stakes match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on May 13. During that innings, Patidar was struck on the back of the head by a rapid 144 kph delivery from KKR pacer Kartik Tyagi. While the captain appeared to recover sufficiently to continue his innings—eventually scoring 11 runs off 8 balls before RCB secured a 6-wicket victory—the aftermath proved more problematic.

Reports suggest that the impact of the delivery resulted in a delayed reaction, with the injury symptoms aggravating in the days that followed. This has necessitated a cautious approach from the team’s medical staff, ensuring that the health of the player remains the top priority over immediate availability.

Timeline for Return

Patidar was notably absent from the team’s training sessions leading up to the Dharamsala clash and did not travel with the squad for that fixture. However, speaking at the toss, Jitesh Sharma offered a ray of hope for the upcoming final league encounter.

“Rajat is doing fantastic, and we should see him in Hyderabad,” Sharma stated, referencing RCB’s final league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. This update suggests that the medical team is taking a measured approach, allowing the captain the necessary time to recover fully before he is reintegrated into the high-intensity environment of the IPL.

Impact on RCB’s Campaign

As the defending champions, RCB relies heavily on Patidar’s leadership and middle-order stability. The transition to Jitesh Sharma as stand-in captain highlights the depth of the squad, but the team will undoubtedly be eager to have their primary leader back in the mix as they look toward the playoffs. The intensity of the competition means every game is vital, and the team management is clearly balancing the need for points with the long-term well-being of their captain.

What to Expect Next

As of now, the franchise is keeping a close watch on Patidar’s recovery progress. While the signs from the medical department are positive, the final call regarding his participation against Sunrisers Hyderabad will likely be made after a comprehensive fitness assessment in the lead-up to the game.

For the RCB faithful, the focus now shifts toward the match in Hyderabad, where they will hope to see their regular skipper back at the helm. With the tournament entering its most exciting phase, the return of a settled captain could prove to be the boost RCB needs to solidify their standing and defend their title successfully.

This story is developing, and further updates regarding the playing XI will be shared as more information becomes available.