Rajat Patidar, Josh Hazlewood Crash Out Of RCB's IPL 2025 Title Hopes

Rajat Patidar and Josh Hazlewood have given the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) thanks to their injury concerns as the IPL 2025 is set to resume on May 17 onwards. RCB sits at no.2 on the IPL 18 points table with 16 points from 11 games.

According to sources in the Indian Express, Josh Hazlewood would not be going back to India, while Rajat Patidar may miss the competition, both dealing with injuries.

Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, hurt his finger playing against the Chennai Super Kings at home in the 2025 Indian Premier League. According to reports, the batter may take longer than anticipated to recover and may not be included in the India A team for the post-league tour of England.

Rajat Patidar to wear a split on his finger

Patidar needs enough time to heal, but it's unclear if he will play in the league. According to the rumors, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain would have missed the team's next two games if the IPL 2025 had not been suspended.

To safeguard his finger, Rajat Patidar has reportedly been instructed to wear a splint. It is unlikely that he will play in the first few games, but his injury will be evaluated in a few days. However, the RCB administration is optimistic that he could contribute as an impact player towards the tournament's conclusion.

Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to return to India

In addition to Rajat Patidar, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is considering Josh Hazlewood's availability. Following the suspension of the IPL 2025, the top pacer went back home. However, he missed the match against the Chennai Super Kings due to a shoulder injury.

Josh Hazlewood, who has suffered numerous injuries during his career, was a key member of the team this season. However, the reports stated that the Australian bowler is unlikely to return because the ICC World Test Championship final is scheduled to begin on June 11.

Jitesh Sharma to captain RCB in case Rajat Patidar fails to recover

As of right now, the RCB captain has been instructed not to bat during practice. The franchise will undoubtedly suffer a severe blow if he is disqualified.

According to the sources, Jitesh Sharma will be leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru if Patidar is disqualified from the competition. Being a well-liked member of the team, the keeper-batter will be tasked with leading the team.

In the past, Royal Challengers Bengaluru had lost Devdutt Padikkal. Due to a hamstring injury, the left-hander was unable to compete in the competition. Mayank Agarwal, who will be playing for the team for the second time in the league, took his position.

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