IPL 2026: Huge blow for RCB as captain Rajat Patidar faces injury scare ahead of new season - Report

Rajat Patidar faces injury scare ahead of new season. (Photo: RCB)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar has been ruled out of action for an extended period after sustaining a muscle tear during an unofficial Test match against South Africa. The setback is expected to keep him on the sidelines for several months, casting uncertainty over his participation in IPL 2026. As reported by Dainik Jagran journalist, the 32-year-old batter could be out for nearly four months, which would force him to miss the entire Ranji Trophy season and several other major domestic tournaments.

However, there remains a ray of hope for RCB fans, if Patidar’s rehabilitation goes as planned, he is expected to make a comeback in time for IPL 2026 and resume his captaincy duties.

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Patidar played a pivotal role in RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title triumph, their first championship in 18 seasons. With the bat, he was a consistent performer, scoring 312 runs at a strike rate of 143.77. His impressive form extended into the domestic circuit, where he recorded his maiden Ranji Trophy double century for Madhya Pradesh against Punjab and enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 season, amassing 529 runs in seven matches at an average of 77.

Beyond the IPL, Patidar also proved his leadership credentials by captaining Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy and leading the Rest of India (ROI) side in the Irani Cup against Vidarbha.