Big boost for RCB as skipper Rajat Patidar recovers from finger injury, resumes batting in the nets

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar has resumed batting in the nets after a successful recovery from the finger injury that he sustained during his side's clash against the Chennai Super Kings on May 3. Patidar sustained the injury on his right hand and it took him ten days to fully recover.

Patidar returned to practice ahead of KKR clash

The RCB captain was seen batting in the nets on Thursday as RCB resumed training, two days ahead of their clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) which is set to take place at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on May 17. According to ESPNCricinfo, Patidar batted for over 30 minutes, but didn't do any fielding practice.

If Patidar is deemed fit to play against KKR, then it will be nothing short of a major boost for RCB as they have had a brilliant season so far under his leadership.

The Bengaluru-based franchise currently sits on the second spot on the IPL points table. They have accumulated 16 points from 11 matches so far and are only behind table-toppers Gujarat Titans due to an inferior net run-rate. RCB need two wins out of their remaining three matches to guarantee a top two finish on the points table. 

Not only this, Patidar's availability will also cover up the absence of Devdutt Padikkal, who was recently ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a hamstring injury. In his place, RCB decided to bring in Mayank Agarwal, who has previously played 3 seasons for the franchise (IPL 2011 - 2013).

Patidar's performance in IPL 2025

Patidar has had a decent season with the bat so far, scoring 239 runs from 11 matches and maintaining a strike-rate of 140.58. He has scored 2 half-centuries in IPL 2025 with his highest individual score being 64. Though he started off the season in sensational fashion, Patidar's form has somewhat declined in the past few matches. He will be looking to get back into form in RCB's upcoming games.

After their clash against KKR, RCB will be locking horns against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 before concluding their league stage with the clash against the Lucknow Super Giants that will take place at the Ekana Cricket stadium on May 27.