RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Resumes Batting After Finger Injury, Boosts Top-Two Push

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has resumed batting after recovering from a right-hand finger injury sustained while fielding against Chennai Super Kings on May 3. After ten days of healing, Patidar took part in light batting drills during Thursday’s training, batting for over 30 minutes with minimal taping and without any discomfort. However, he did not participate in fielding or catching exercises.

Patidar’s return is a major boost for RCB as they aim to secure a top-two finish in the IPL for the first time since 2016. Currently second in the points table with eight wins from 11 games, RCB need at least two more victories to guarantee that spot.

His availability also helps offset the absence of Devdutt Padikkal, ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. Mayank Agarwal has been signed as Padikkal’s replacement. While Patidar’s form has dipped recently—with a highest score of 23 in his last five innings—he has scored 239 runs at a strike rate of 140.58 this season. His last half-century was a crucial 64-ball 32-run effort against Mumbai Indians over a month ago.

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