Who Will Lead RCB If Rajat Patidar Is Injured In IPL 2025?

Rajgeeta Yadav

Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have hit a rough patch ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 restart. Their skipper, Rajat Patidar, might miss the rest of the tournament due to an injury. According to The Indian Express, the talented batter hurt his finger during a match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3. Since then, he’s been advised to wear a splint and avoid training for at least 10 days to protect his finger.

The injury could also impact his chances of being picked for the India A squad for their upcoming tour of England after the IPL. RCB is being extra cautious with Patidar’s recovery, as they hope to have him back for the playoffs.

Who Will Lead RCB in Patidar’s Absence?

If Rajat Patidar isn’t fit to play, Jitesh Sharma is the frontrunner to take over the captaincy. In fact, he was set to lead RCB against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 9 before the BCCI decided to suspend the IPL for a week due to tension on the India-Pakistan border.

Jitesh expressed his excitement about the opportunity in an interview with RCB Bold Diaries. He said, 

"I was very grateful for the opportunity they were bestowing on me that I was going to captain RCB and it's a big thing for me and my family."

RCB’s troubles don’t end with Patidar. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who played a key role this season, is also dealing with a shoulder injury. He had to return home after the IPL suspension, and with the ICC World Test Championship final scheduled for June 11, it’s uncertain whether he’ll make a comeback.

To make matters worse, RCB have already lost Devdutt Padikkal due to a hamstring injury. Mayank Agarwal has been brought in as his replacement, marking his second stint with the franchise