IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar Resumes Batting After Finger Injury, Boosts RCB’s Top-Two Playoff Hopes Ahead of KKR Clash

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IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has made an encouraging return to batting following his recovery from a finger injury sustained during the IPL 2025 campaign.

The right-hander, who injured his right finger while fielding against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, has finally resumed his batting routine after a mandatory ten-day recovery period, giving RCB fans a much-needed boost ahead of their crucial upcoming fixtures.

Patidar took to the nets for over 30 minutes during RCB's training session on Thursday evening, two days ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Starting with gentle throwdowns, he gradually tested his full range of batting strokes and movements, demonstrating no visible discomfort or restriction from the injury. Although he batted confidently, Patidar did not participate in any fielding drills or catch practice, suggesting that the team is carefully managing his workload to ensure a full and safe recovery.

The finger injury had kept Patidar sidelined for the last ten days, a period that saw RCB missing their captain's presence in the middle order. His return, if confirmed fit for the upcoming match, would come as a significant relief for the Bangalore-based side, currently sitting second on the IPL points table. With eight wins from 11 games, RCB are in a strong position but need at least two more victories to secure a top-two finish - a feat they have not achieved since 2016.

Patidar's fitness becomes even more critical given RCB's current batting challenges. Devdutt Padikkal, their regular No. 3 batsman, has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. The franchise has brought in Mayank Agarwal, predominantly an opener, as his replacement. Additionally, RCB will miss the services of Jacob Bethell for the playoffs owing to his international commitments. In this context, Patidar's availability will provide vital stability and experience to the batting line-up.

While Patidar's form has dipped somewhat after a promising start to the season, his leadership and contributions remain crucial to RCB's playoff ambitions. He has accumulated 239 runs in 10 innings at a healthy strike rate of 140.58. However, his recent performances have been modest, with 23 being the highest score in his last five innings. His last half-century - a composed 64 off 32 balls against Mumbai Indians - came over a month ago but proved instrumental in securing victory for RCB in that match.

The RCB skipper's ability to regain form and fitness at this critical juncture will be a key factor as the team looks to consolidate its position and mount a strong challenge for the IPL title. As Patidar himself might agree, returning to full fitness and reclaiming his batting rhythm could be the catalyst for RCB's success in the remaining games.

With the playoffs looming, all eyes will be on Patidar's fitness updates and whether he will take the field against KKR, a match that could well define RCB's trajectory this season. His return will certainly be welcomed by fans and teammates alike, hungry to see their captain lead from the front once more.