Rajat Patidar Injured for RCB. Image Credits: AFP
As 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 in the first match of the double header.
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.
The team has suffered five consecutive defeats, and another loss to RCB could seriously damage their playoff hopes in IPL 2026. Their sudden downfall has become one of the biggest talking points of the tournament.
Unusual Social Media activity around Rajat Patidar
Ahead of this high-pressure clash between RCB and PBKS, fans are left concerned about Rajat Patidar. The RCB captain was not seen in the RCB 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 KKR
His 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.
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 far
It 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?
More to follow...
