Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are facing a potential leadership crisis with captain Rajat Patidar unlikely to return to action anytime soon. Patidar, who injured his finger during RCB’s clash against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, is still wearing a splint and hasn’t resumed training.
Hard luck, not only for RCB but for Rajat Patidar
According to reports, his condition is not improving as expected. He may be out for the rest of the IPL 2025 and dishearteningly could miss his spot in the India ‘A’ team that is set for action in England from May 30. The BCCI’s selection committee was apparently waiting for the revised schedule for the IPL in order to name the India ‘A’ squad anytime soon.
The injury, initially expected to rule him out for two matches, is now threatening to end his IPL 2025 campaign altogether. Moreover, Patidar’s extended recovery timeline could also cost him a place in the India A squad for the upcoming England tour — a massive personal setback at a time when he was pushing for higher honours. So far at IPL 2025, Patidar has been effective. He’s been a superb captain, but with the bat, the Madhya Pradesh batter clubbed 239 runs at an SR of 140.59.
Jitesh Sharma likely to step up as stand-in captain
With RCB set to resume their campaign on Saturday in the clash against KKR, the team management is now considering alternate leadership options. Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter signed for Rs 11 crore, is the frontrunner to take over the captaincy if Patidar is ruled out. The 30-year-old had already been informed that he would captain RCB against LSG before the IPL’s temporary suspension.
Jitesh has prior leadership experience from IPL 2024, having captained Punjab Kings in one match, and is said to be well-liked within the RCB camp. Patidar’s injury wasn’t the only concern. Devdutt Padikkal was already ruled out of the season with a hamstring injury; and Phil Salt missed the last few games due to illness. RCB had to field replacements like Jacob Bethell and new signing Mayank Agarwal. Josh Hazlewood flew back home nursing a shoulder issue and, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final approaching in June, Indian Express’ sources suggest he won’t be rejoining the IPL squad.
RCB, second on the points table with eight wins in 11 games, now have a golden opportunity to regroup and get their best XI back in shape.
RCB’s remaining IPL 2025 matches
| Date | Day | Home | Away | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-May-25 | Sat | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Kolkata Knight Riders | Bengaluru | 19:30 |
| 23-May-25 | Fri | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 19:30 |
| 27-May-25 | Tue | Lucknow Super Giants | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Lucknow | 19:30 |
