![Rajat Patidar injured [Source: AFP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1762665169346_patidarinjured.jpg?type=hq)
Rajat Patidar injured [Source: AFP Photo]
In the latest development, Rajat Patidar, the RCB captain, who suffered an injury during the first unofficial Test match against South Africa, is reportedly set to be sidelined for a long period of time; potentially hampering his IPL 2026 participation. He suffered a muscle tear in the first Test and now faces race against time to be fit for the all-important IPL season.
According to reports by Abhishek Tripathi of Dainik Jagran, the India star is set to be out for 4 months and this could disrupt the momentum that the batter had in recent times. He is likely to miss the entire Ranji Trophy campaign, and also the other domestic competitions, which could dent his India comeback chances.
Further details regarding the injury is still awaited and there is no official confirmation from the BCCI, as of yet.
Chances of Patidar missing IPL 2026
If the 4-month period is calculated from today, then he is likely to be ruled out till mid-February. The IPL generally begins from the third week of March, and if the rehab goes as per plans, then Patidar could be fit to defend the IPL crown.
The franchise would also hope that Patidar gets ample time to get back to his full fitness and they wouldn’t want him to relapse the injury ahead of a crucial season.
Patidar's dream run halted by injury
The 32-year-old batter was in his dream form as he aimed to make a comeback in the Indian Test setup. He was in great touch as of late, scoring his maiden Ranji Trophy double century, playing for Madhya Pradesh against Punjab. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 529 runs in seven matches, with an average of 77 as he knocked on the selectors’ doors for a potential comeback.
