• Source:JND
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RCB vs KKR, IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have got a major boost ahead of the restart of the IPL 2025 as their skipper Rajat Patidar has resumed batting following a recovery from a finger injury on his right hand.

RCB will soon be in action as they will be up against their arch-rivals, Kolkata Knight Riders, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 17. They will be looking to maintain their consistency and put up another impressive performance and climb to the top of the standings.

Patidar picked up the injury while fielding during RCB's previous match against Chennai Super Kings on May 3. He was recommended to use a splint to safeguard the finger and avoid training for a minimum of 10 days before evaluating the injury. Notably, RCB went on to beat CSK in their last league game at home by just 2 runs. However, it will be interesting to see whether he will start with the match against KKR and decide to stay on the sidelines as a precautionary measure.

RCB are currently second on the IPL points table with eight wins in 11 games. They need at least two wins to assure themselves of a top-two finish. A couple of days ahead of the resumption of the IPL 2025, Patidar resumed practice on Thursday evening by performing some light throwdowns before trying out his full range of batting motions.

Patidar, who has scored 239 runs in 10 innings in the tournament so far, will have to take more responsibility in the middle order as Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.

Adding to their problems, because of England's home series against the West Indies starting from May 29, RCB opening batter Jacob Bethell won't be available to them throughout the playoffs. On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood, who had a shoulder niggle, will play for RCB. But he will be partially available.

The right-arm pacer reportedly will complete his rehabilitation in Brisbane next week but will fly to India before the playoffs.


Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Mayank Agrawal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.