Not Virat Kohli or Krunal Pandya, this 31-year-old India star was to captain RCB in IPL 2025 clash against LSG sans Rajat Patidar's absence

Following escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, a situation where air raids between the two countries were reportedly generating headlines, the players and support staff associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have reportedly returned safely to Bengaluru. However, both India and Pakistan mutually agreed to immediate ceasefire on May 10.

However, in response to these events and the safe return of their personnel, RCB issued a statement on Saturday, May 10. The franchise conveyed its thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), acknowledging the board's prompt action during the situation.

“Our players and extended staff have safely returned to Bengaluru and are now homebound to their respective cities and countries. We’re deeply grateful for the swift coordination and support from the BCCI, local authorities, and the police who made this possible,” RCB wrote in a statement.

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In a video posted by the official Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) account, Jitesh Sharma can be seen admitting that he was slated to lead the Bengaluru franchise in their upcoming clash against LSG, in the absence of Rajat Patidar. He revealed the thoughts running through his mind in preparation for the potential match, including considerations about the team lineup and their position on the points table. However, the subsequent suspension of the IPL ultimately meant the wicket-keeper batter did not get the opportunity to step into the captaincy role.

"They were giving me an opportunity to captain RCB and it's a very big thing for me and my family," Jitesh can be heard saying in a video.

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On May 8, the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was halted midway due to security concerns. The following day, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an order for a seven-day suspension of the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. In an official statement, the BCCI reportedly stated that a decision regarding the fate of the remainder of the tournament would be made at a later date.

Following the cancellation of the match involving PBKS and DC in Dharamshala, the BCCI took prompt action to facilitate the movement of players. On May 9, the board reportedly organised a special Vande Bharat Express train specifically to transport the players from both the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings squads back to Delhi.

RCB are currently strongly placed on second spot in the IPL 2025 points table with 18 wins in a total of 11 matches.