Rajat Patidar Injured for RCB. Image Credits: AFPAs the IPL 2026 league stage approaches its final phase, excitement among cricket fans continues to grow. Every match now carries huge importance, especially for teams aiming to secure a playoff spot. On May 17, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.However, ahead of the much-awaited contest, all attention has shifted towards RCB captain Rajat Patidar after fans noticed his absence from the team's recent social media posts.Why is this match important for RCB and PBKS?The match is extremely crucial for both sides, but for different reasons. RCB have a golden opportunity to become the first team to officially confirm their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs.A victory against Punjab Kings would strengthen their impressive campaign and keep their momentum high heading into the knockout stage of IPL 2026.Punjab Kings, meanwhile, will be under tremendous pressure. After a dream start to the season, when they won six of their first seven matches (one washed out against KKR), PBKS are now facing a dramatic collapse.PBKS have suffered five consecutive defeats, and another loss to RCB could seriously damage their playoff hopes in IPL 2026.Unusual Social Media activity around Rajat PatidarAhead of this high-pressure clash between RCB and PBKS, fans are left concerned about Rajat Patidar. He was not seen in the RCB's travel video shared on social media.The RCB skipper was also missing from the team's practice session visuals released before the game.Also Read: RCB Remaining IPL 2026 Matches After Win Vs KKRHis absence immediately sparked speculation online, with many supporters wondering whether he had travelled to Dharamsala or would miss the PBKS vs RCB match altogether.So far, there has been no official statement from the franchise regarding Rajat Patidar’s availability. Some fans believe he may join the squad later, before the afternoon game.CHIKU JI❤️ @MaticKohli251 Rajat Patidar was not seen in the Travel Video. He is also not seen in the Game Day video. Looks like he hasn't travelled to Dharamshala yet or he might arrive before afternoon. If he misses who should play in his place? Shanksy 🏴☠️ @Mr_Shanks_82 @MaticKohli251 If he isn't playing today please @RCBTweets don't give captaincy to #jitheshsharma 🙏🙏 Mr. ರಾಮಾಚಾರಿ @iCnote3 No Rajath Patidar 😭 Jitesh will be the captain today 😶 whatever @dunnO_o1718 Haven’t seen Rajat in any content since coming to Dharmasala 🫣 Until an official update arrives, uncertainty around the RCB captain is expected to remain a major talking point before the big encounter.Rajat Patidar’s performance in IPL 2026 so farIt is vital to note that Rajat Patidar has been the backbone of RCB’s batting line-up in the middle order. With RCB opener Virat Kohli taking control at the start of the inning, Patidar is trying to stabilise things in the middle-order alongside Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David.In IPL 2026, the player from Madhya Pradesh has featured in 12 matches, scoring 337 runs at an average of 33.70 and a strike rate of 192.57.If he misses out on this match against PBKS, things will become difficult for RCB, not just in the batting line-up but also in the captaincy.Who will replace Rajat Patidar as RCB's captain?If Rajat Patidar is not available for the PBKS vs RCB match, Jitesh Sharma will likely replace him as the captain.A similar situation occurred in IPL 2025, when Patidar was sidelined with a finger injury for a few matches. Jitesh was appointed as the RCB captain and led the team in a few matches. However, the RCB think tank can also consider former RCB captain Virat Kohli to step up and fill in the shoes of Rajat Patidar (if not available).Also Read: Arshdeep Singh Injured? Indian Cricket Faces Heavy Jolt As IPL Comes To An End
