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Rajat Patidar not playing for RCB vs Punjab clash (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru were without captain Rajat Patidar for their important IPL 2026 fixture against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday.
In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma led the side in a match that could significantly shape RCB’s playoff hopes. Bengaluru entered the contest with 16 points from 12 matches and required just one more win from their remaining two games to officially secure qualification for the playoffs.
Patidar was unavailable after suffering an injury during RCB’s previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders. The right-handed batter was struck on the back of his helmet by a sharp bouncer from pacer Kartik Tyagi while batting.
Despite continuing briefly, Patidar could not make a major impact and was dismissed for 11 runs. The injury eventually ruled him out of the clash against Punjab Kings as the team management opted not to risk him.
At the toss, stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma provided an update on Patidar’s condition and suggested that the captain could return in the next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Rajat is doing fantastic, and we should see him in Hyderabad,” Jitesh said.
Jitesh also highlighted the importance of the PBKS clash, calling it a decisive moment in RCB’s campaign. “We are at the business end of the tournament, and every game matters now. One win tonight secures our playoff spot, so it’s a massive game for us,” he said.
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RCB made two changes to the playing XI, bringing in spinner Suyash Sharma and all-rounder Romario Shepherd in place of Patidar and Duffy.
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first. PBKS introduced Harpreet Brar and Lockie Ferguson into the side as they looked to strengthen both spin and pace departments.
Speaking at the toss, Iyer said his side was focused on handling pressure situations better as the tournament approached its final phase. The contest carried major playoff implications for both teams, with RCB aiming to seal qualification while PBKS continued their push in the points table race.
