The temporary suspension of IPL 2025, triggered by rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, might just have come at the perfect time for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While the sudden pause in the tournament disrupted the league, it has offered RCB an unexpected but much-needed breather, particularly for their injury-hit squad.
Rajat Patidar’s injury co-incided with no IPL action
RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who injured his finger while fielding against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, was set to miss at least two crucial games. Diagnosed with a finger contusion, he was advised to rest and avoid training for at least 10 days. That means, had there been no suspension of the IPL, Patidar would’ve missed at least two games. Under normal circumstances, that would have been a significant blow to Bengaluru’s ambitions to end up in the top two.
However, with the IPL now paused for a week, Patidar gets valuable recovery time without missing any action. The franchise is also monitoring his fitness closely, keeping in mind his potential inclusion in the India A squad for the upcoming tour of England.
Missed opportunity for Jitesh Sharma?
Before the break, Jitesh Sharma — the Rs 11 crore signing — was set to lead the team against LSG in Patidar’s absence. “I was very grateful for the opportunity given to me,” Jitesh said on RCB Bold Diaries. “They were giving me an opportunity to captain RCB and it’s a very big thing for me and my family. I was thinking of what the right combination would be because both Devdutt [Padikkal] and Rajat were not available, and it was a big responsibility to replace them“.
Patidar’s injury wasn’t the only concern. Devdutt Padikkal was already ruled out of the season with a hamstring injury, Phil Salt missed the last game due to illness, and Josh Hazlewood sustained a shoulder injury. RCB had to field replacements like Jacob Bethell and new signing Mayank Agarwal.
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 fixtures
| Match | Teams | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 64th Match | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | M.Chinnaswamy Stadium |
| 68th Match | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders | M.Chinnaswamy Stadium |
Editor's Pick
Cricket
IND vs ENG 1st Test: New era, new problems! Can Shubman Gill & co put right foot forward?
Top Stories
