The Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin again after it was suspended mid-way due to India-Pakistan tensions. It will resume from May 17 and the first match will be a thrilling one between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
One of the most important concern that has now surfaced is, RCB’s injury concerns and player unavailability. Rajat Patidar is had a finger injury and according to a report by Indian Express he will need some more time to recover. Hence, if he is unavailable in match against Kolkata Knight Riders then Jitesh Sharma is likely to be the captain.
In the match which was supposed to happen against Lucknow Super Giants but did not due to IPL suspension, Jitesh Sharma was named the stand-in captain when Patidar was missing out.
There are various other concerns, Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss out remaining IPL due to shoulder niggle which needs time to recover, another reason is his participation in the World Test Championship Final which will take place at June 11. Hence., Hazlewood will need to regain fitness before he joins national duty.
Another setback RCB will be facing is of Lungi Ngidi, who is from South Africa and again he needs to be there and join his country’s squad for WTC Final. Romario Shepherd is other name who is likely to remain unavailable due to national duty.
With Rajat Patidar still facing injury concerns and many crucial overseas players unavailable RCB has a big challenge to tackle just ahead of IPL 2025 Playoffs.
