IPL 2025: RCB Skipper Rajat Patidar Shakes Off Injury Worries Ahead of Crucial KKR Showdown
In a major boost for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), captain Rajat Patidar has dispelled concerns over his fitness ahead of their high-stakes IPL 2025 encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru on Saturday. Patidar, who sustained a right ring finger injury during a home game against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, utilized the mid-season break to focus on recovery, ensuring his readiness for the crucial second half of the tournament.
Thursday’s training session at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium offered a glimpse of hope for RCB fans. As the team regrouped for their first full practice after the break, Patidar was seen steadily rebuilding his form. While star batters Virat Kohli and Phil Salt kicked off the session with a flurry of shots, Patidar initially stuck to light fitness drills near the boundary. Sporting a strapped finger, the 31-year-old from Madhya Pradesh cautiously tested his recovery with shadow batting before stepping into the nets for low-intensity throwdowns.
As the session progressed, Patidar’s confidence grew. Under the watchful eyes of batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik, he transitioned to the main nets, starting with cautious strokes before unleashing his signature power. His timing, a hallmark of his batting, was on full display as several shots soared into the stands. The aerial cover drives that have become his trademark signaled a return to form, much to the relief of the RCB camp. This display not only strengthens Patidar’s case for selection but also bolsters his prospects for an upcoming India A tour to England, where match fitness will be paramount.
Elsewhere in the RCB camp, the focus wasn’t solely on Patidar. Karnataka batter Mayank Agarwal, stepping in as injury cover for Devdutt Padikkal, got valuable time in the middle. The bowling unit, spearheaded by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, put in the hard yards. With uncertainties surrounding Josh Hazlewood’s availability and South African pacer Lungi Ngidi ruled out of the playoffs, Kumar’s role becomes even more critical for the second-placed RCB, who have amassed 16 points from 11 games and are on the cusp of sealing a playoff berth.
On the other side of the fence, the KKR squad also hit the training ground, though they were without two key players. The franchise confirmed that Rovman Powell and Moeen Ali were sidelined due to medical reasons, with Powell undergoing a procedure and Ali recovering from a viral infection alongside his family. Their absence could be a setback for KKR, who are languishing in sixth place in the points table and desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Adding to the drama of Saturday’s clash is the looming threat of rain in Bengaluru, which could disrupt this pivotal encounter. For RCB, a victory would all but confirm their spot in the knockout stages, while for KKR, a loss could severely dent their campaign. With both teams hungry for crucial points, and Patidar’s return injecting fresh energy into RCB, fans are in for a thrilling contest at one of IPL’s most iconic venues.
As the IPL 2025 season races towards its climax, all eyes will be on how Patidar and his men capitalize on this momentum. Will the RCB captain inspire his side to another dominant performance, or can KKR defy the odds despite their challenges? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this matchup promises to be a blockbuster.