Rajat Patidar for RCB. Image Credits: AFP
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a big setback before their Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) match against Punjab Kings.
The match will take place on Sunday, May 17 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. Punjab Kings will host the defending champions RCB in Match No. 61 of the IPL 2026 season.
Notably, the contest carries huge importance for both teams, especially for RCB, who are aiming to confirm their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs.
At present, the Bengaluru-based franchise sits at the top of the points table with eight wins and four losses from 12 matches. Another victory will officially secure their qualification spot.
Who Is Captaining RCB Today Against PBKS?
Ahead of this important encounter, RCB captain Rajat Patidar has been ruled out due to an injury. Reports also confirmed that the Madhya Pradesh batter did not travel to Dharamsala with the squad. Earlier, there were speculations that he could still join the team later, although that did not happen.
So far, the franchise has not revealed the exact nature of the injury. Fans were eagerly waiting for an update, especially after Rajat Patidar’s excellent performances this season.
The stylish batter has been one of RCB’s top performers in IPL 2026. He has scored 326 runs in 10 innings at a brilliant strike rate of 195. In addition, the Madhya Pradesh batter has already smashed three half-centuries this season.
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Jitesh Sharma To Lead RCB Against PBKS
In Rajat Patidar’s absence, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will captain RCB against Punjab Kings. According to TOI journalist Gaurav Gupta, Jitesh will take charge of the side for this important fixture.
Interestingly, this will not be the first time Jitesh handles captaincy duties for RCB. Last season, he led the team in two matches when Rajat Patidar was unavailable. One of those games was an important playoff clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Rajat Patidar featured only as an Impact Substitute. Earlier in his IPL career, Jitesh also captained Punjab Kings in one match.
Therefore, the management will expect him to guide the side confidently in a high-pressure encounter.
It is important to note that during the toss, Jitesh Sharma shared an update, he said, "Rajat is doing fantastic now. Hopefully, we will see him in Hyderabad."
RCB Continue Winning Momentum In IPL 2026
Notably, RCB enter this match with strong confidence after registering successive victories in recent games. Their balanced performances with both bat and ball have played a key role in helping them reach the top of the standings.
At the same time, the franchise will continue missing opener Phil Salt, who is still recovering from a finger injury in England. Consequently, young batter Jacob Bethell is expected to continue opening alongside star batter Virat Kohli.
It is important to note that a win for RCB will guarantee playoff qualification, while Punjab Kings will look to stop the table-toppers on their home ground.
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