IPL 2023: Four Players Who Can Replace Rajat Patidar in RCB's Playing XI

image-lfozfvb0Rajat Patidar will likely miss the first half of IPL 2023 [Source: Twitter]

In a significant blow to Royal Challengers Bangalore, ace batter Rajat Patidar will likely miss the tournament's first half due to a heel injury. The dynamic batter's untimely injury could undoubtedly hamper the IPL 2023 campaign of RCB, who will aim at breaking the jinx and lifting their first-ever title this season. 

So, as the player is set to be ruled out, the franchise must find his alternatives before the tournament begins. 

Here we list four players who can replace Patidar in the RCB playing XI. 


1) Mahipal Lomror

image-lfozayc7Mahipal Lomror in action [Source: Twitter]

Regarded as one of the clean strikers of the ball, Mahipal Lomror could fulfil RCB's quest for an able number three in Patidar's absence. 

The swashbuckling southpaw can bat anywhere, ensuring flexibility in RCB's star-studded lineup. 

Besides his nonchalant spin-hitting, Lomror's left-arm off-spin definitely makes him an asset at the M Chinnaswamy ground, where RCB might need some extra bowling options because of the track's conduciveness for batting. 


2) Suyash Prabhudessai

image-lfozeww6Suyash Prabhudessai [Source: Twitter]

Hailed as the next big thing in the Indian domestic circuit, Suyash Prabhudessai has been a regular face in Goa's state team over the years. 

Being a fierce hitter of the ball, Prabhudessai's ability to play fearless cricket makes him a strong contender for the number three position in the RCB lineup. 

Although he failed to make his mark last year, the RCB management retained him ahead of the mini-auction. Therefore, he might get a few games straightaway to prove his mettle for the franchise. 


3) Anuj Rawat

image-lfozbpuxAnuj Rawat with Virat Kohli [Source: Twitter]

In another move, RCB might slot keeper-batter Anuj Rawat at the top, allowing the legendary Virat Kohli to bat at his preferred number three position. 

Although it's unlikely, considering Rawat's mediocre performance last season, the franchise might try it, as the southpaw is a genuine top-order batter. 


4) Shahbaz Ahmed

image-lfozd389Shahbaz Ahmed [Source: Twitter]

RCB promoting all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed to bat up the order was a familiar scene before Rajat Patidar nailed his role as the number three batter for the franchise. 

However, as he is unavailable, we may see Shahbaz being used as a floater, with the likes of Maxwell, Kohli and Dinesh Karthik batting as per their appropriate entry points. 

If he is promoted to the top, we might see either Prabhudessai, Lomror or Manoj Bhandage batting in the middle order.