Last Updated: May 17, 2026 03:18 PM
RCB faces a massive challenge before their crucial Sunday clash. The team travels to HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala for an important fixture. This match against the Punjab Kings could officially seal their playoff qualification spot.
RCB sits comfortably atop the IPL 2026 points table right now. Back-to-back victories built serious momentum heading into this rematch of last season’s final. But something unexpected happened that shocked fans and management equally badly.
Their regular captain won’t be traveling with the squad to Dharamsala. The news came as a complete surprise to everyone following the team.
Rajat Patidar’s Unexpected Absence
Sources confirmed Rajat Patidar didn’t travel with the RCB squad to Dharamsala. He missed both practice sessions at the venue this week. Illness or injury kept him away from this crucial match surprisingly.
Patidar will return only for RCB’s final league game in Hyderabad. That’s still several days away from Sunday’s PBKS clash unfortunately. His absence creates a significant gap in RCB’s batting lineup.
The captain has been absolutely brilliant this IPL 2026 season consistently. He’s smashed 326 runs across 10 innings at a ridiculous strike rate of 195! Three half-centuries sit beside his name in the record book.
Jitesh Sharma Takes Over Captaincy
Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma steps up as RCB’s captain for this match. He leads the side in Patidar’s absence against Punjab Kings. The responsibility falls on his shoulders during this important phase now.
Sharma knows the pressure that comes with captaincy in crucial matches. RCB needs just one victory to confirm their playoff berth officially. Winning against PBKS makes everything certain mathematically for the team.
The middle order loses Patidar’s explosive batting which hurts RCB badly. His strike rate of 195 shows how destructively he’s batted. Finding a replacement who matches that impact becomes incredibly difficult honestly.
Phil Salt Also Remains Out
RCB continues playing without English opener Phil Salt unfortunately. The finger injury keeps him unavailable for selection still now. Jacob Bethell opens alongside Virat Kohli in Salt’s continued absence.
Double injury blows test RCB’s squad depth before the playoffs begin soon!
