Injured finger changed RCB’s strategy, captaincy change announced before playoffs
Rajat Patidar ruled out of IPL 2025
RCB has suffered a major setback amid rumours. Team captain Patidar suffered a finger injury during the match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3, after which he is feared to be out of the tournament. However, the suspension of IPL due to India-Pakistan tension has brought relief to RCB. Now Patidar has an extra week so that he can regain fitness till the playoffs.
Full truth of injury: Splint and 10 days rest
During the match, Patidar’s finger got twisted while fielding at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. According to ESPNcricinfo, he was advised to wear a splint and stay away from practice for 10 days. If IPL 2025 had not been suspended, he would have missed at least 2 matches. But the break from May 8 to May 16 has given him a chance to recover.
Captaincy to Jitesh Sharma!
RCB handed over the captaincy to wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma in Patidar’s absence. Jitesh was to lead the team in the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 10. In RCB Bold Diaries, Jitesh said, “I am very happy to get the opportunity to captain RCB. It was challenging to decide the combination in the absence of Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat, but we were ready to win.”
Recovery dependent on playoffs and England tour
According to sources, Patidar’s recovery is going well, but RCB do not want to rush him. The team’s focus is on the playoffs, where Patidar’s experience will be important. Also, the BCCI selectors are looking at him for the England Tour 2025, for which he needs to be 100% fit. Patidar returned to Bangalore from Lucknow on Saturday and is optimistic about playing the rest of the season.
RCB’s troubles: Salt, Padikkal and Hazlewood also injured
Apart from Patidar, RCB have also suffered setbacks due to Phil Salt (illness), Devdutt Padikkal (out of the tournament), and Josh Hazlewood (shoulder pain). This situation is making the team’s playoff prospects challenging.
IPL 2025 New Schedule: Return from May 16
The remaining 16 matches of IPL 2025 (including playoffs) will start from May 16 or 17, while the final will be held on May 30 or June 1 in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Titans are at the top of the points table with 16 points, but RCB will now have to win every match.
Fans react: A period of hope and worry
RCB fans are disappointed with Patidar’s injury, but new hopes have also been raised under the captaincy of Jitesh Sharma. Fans wrote on social media, “Jitesh will take the team forward with young energy.” At the same time, some say, “RCB’s playoff race will be difficult without Patidar.”
Conclusion:
The news of Rajat Patidar ruled out of IPL 2025 has shaken RCB, but the team is ready to turn the challenge into an opportunity. All eyes are now on Jitesh Sharma’s captaincy and the passion of the young players. Patidar’s return will be at a crucial juncture of the tournament, and fans are waiting for him to recover.
Also Read : IPL 2025 Restarts: The series of remaining matches will start from May 17