With just four rounds of fixtures to play in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face some uncertainty and doubt over the fitness of their captain Rajat Patidar in what will be a critical game with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17, 2025.
RCB are currently in second place, tied on 16 points with table-toppers the Gujarat Titans. Patidar has done a fine job leading the RCB side through the IPL season towards playoff contention. Now, with his injury on the road to recovery after suffering a finger injury in the last game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB will be nervously waiting to see how he recovers in the lead-up to their next fixture.
The Injury: A much-needed break or a cause for concern?
A report in The Indian Express news indicated he hurt his finger while fielding CSK last Tuesday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and while it was initially assessed as a minor injury, it appears it could be more than that. RCB’s medical staff were told Patidar needs to wear a splint and the prototype of time on return from the injury remains unknown from him, although they are starting to come to a conclusion. If the IPL had not stopped for a week’s break, Patidar might have missed multiple fixtures, which is an ominous sign for a team, who has had significant crowing of the players workload, depend on him to not only contribute as a batter but also his captaincy.
The situation surrounding the injury is now been managed and a return will depend on his fitness, neighbouring the KKR clash and I believe the possibility of him playing partially as an Impact Player (only as a batter) could be on the table, as long as he is able to grip the blade of the bat.
Leadership Void – Who’s Stepping Up?
If Patidar’s ruled out for the KKR game and further games subsequently, RCB will have a void in leadership through an interim captain. It is reported that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has emerged as the front-runner for the position. Jitesh is an aggressive batter and has a calm demeanor behind the stumps. He is viewed as a natural leader in the dressing room, and would be acceptable to the platoon.
This will be yet another appointment for a team that seems to always have changes to the leadership roster. From Virat Kohli to Faf du Plessis’ brief leadership in 2023-24, and now the current tenure for Patidar. RCB has been searching for a consistent leader who can help with their struggles with both tactical and emotion-leading from the front.
RCB’s Resilient Run in IPL 2025
Despite injuries and leadership instability, RCB has one of the best runs they’ve had in years thus far in the IPL, 2025. They currently go into this week’s matches in second place on the table with 16 points, winning eight of their twelve matches. And are only separated from the top-place Gujarat Titans by net run rate (NRR) and run by Shubman Gill.
RCB has a well-rounded squad, and this is a major reason for the resilient run. Will Jacks and Glenn Maxwell has added middle-order firepower and Mohammad Siraj and Reece Topley are providing RCB crumble with the ball. Additionally, youngsters like Suyash Prabhudessai and in particular Rajan Kumar have emerged as quality domestic players and added more depth to RCB’s ranks.
However, RCB will have to battle without key players such as Devdutt Padikkal (ruled out previously due to hamstring injury) and potentially Patidar now. Following they have chosen to bring in veteran batter, Mayank Agarwal, as a replacement for Padikkal the pressure will be on the experienced batter to deliver for the remaining matches.
The Final Lap: The Road Ahea
With just a few matches remaining until the playoffs, every game is effectively a knockout for teams looking for a top-two finish. The match between RCB and KKR is very important, in particular, with KKR still fighting for a top-four position. A team missing their captain at this point could even prove detrimental for RCB.
That being said, RCB fans will take confidence from the depth and capabilities of the team. RCB has shown a lot of character during the season so far, obviously having some tough spots, but working with it whenever it comes up.
Coach Andy Flower and the think tank will have to be very thoughtful about their decision making going forward with team combination and leadership, not only with captaincy, but also for players who may have suffered injury.
If Patidar’s injury does not improve and continues to be out, RCB may need to change their order, and you can expect the likes of Dinesh Karthik, who has had his best season finishing this year, to hit higher up the order. Mayank Agarwal may come directly into the top three, of course depending on when their in the batting order as well as who the opposition is at that time.
India A Tour in Jeopardy?
Injury also has an impact outside of the IPL as well. Patidar was rumored to be considered for the upcoming tour by India A to England – another opportunity for potential India international players. Missing the tour of England because of injury would be a double hit for the Madhya Pradesh batter, who has had a good domestic season as well as a good IPL season up until now.
If he is unable to go on the tour, it could also set back his input into India’s long term plans, with the national team trying to put together a group of players for the next World Test Championship and T20 World Cup cycles.
Final Reflections – A True Test of Character for RCB
Injuries are part and parcel of any high-intensity tournament like the IPL, but the timing of them can often define a team’s fate. Rajat Patidar’s injury comes at a time when RCB seems to be functioning well as a team and is chasing down the ever-elusive title.
If RCB can get through this challenge, then it will speak volumes about their depth and resilience, and if Patidar can make a return to RCB before the playoffs — even in a limited capacity — who knows, it may just be the emotional boost RCB needs to go all the way.
As fans lick their wounds whilst awaiting news on Patidar’s progress, we can be certain about one thing: the road to IPL 2025 glory just got a shade more complicated, but certainly not impossible.
