Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enjoyed a timely boost ahead of their key IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders, with skipper Rajat Patidar resuming batting after returning from a finger injury. The 31-year-old Patidar sustained the injury while fielding against Chennai Super Kings on May 3rd, which ruled him out for more than ten days.
Positive news emerged from RCB’s net session Thursday evening when Patidar faced throwdowns and was batting for over 30 minutes without any visible discomfort, other than the taped right hand. He also didn’t field or take any catches, but his presence on the nets means he could return just in time for RCB’s playoff push.
Currently, second on the points table with eight wins from 11 games, RCB need at least two wins from their four remaining matches in order to secure a top-two finish – something they haven’t done since 2016. Patidar’s return could not have been more timely especially after other key players, Devdutt Padikkal and Jacob Bethell are unavailable.
Padikkal has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury, prompting the franchise to sign Mayank Agarwal. While Agarwal is an experienced opener, RCB may consider Patidar as a potential option at No. 3 and in an effort to fill the void left by the left-handed opener’s absence.
Despite a strong start to the season, Patidar’s recent struggles have seen him accumulate just 23 runs at his best in five innings. Despite that, he had 239 runs in 10 innings at an average strike rate of 140.58, including a highlight 64 off 32 balls against Mumbai Indians.
With the playoffs starting to come into view, and their captain nearing a return to full fitness, RCB will hope Patidar can play a leadership role in the batting lineup – as they seek a top-two finish, which has remained so elusive over the years on the cusp of the playoffs.
Read More: Shepherd and Livingstone Return to RCB Squad as They Eye IPL 2025 Playoffs
