Royal Challengers Bangalore has delivered a stellar performance in IPL 2026 so far and stands as a strong contender to win the title for the second consecutive time. They currently sit at the top of the points table, and there is a very high probability that they will retain this position until the end of the league stage. In their final league match, they are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad. This is an 'away' fixture, scheduled to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, commencing at 7:30 PM IST. The likelihood of RCB qualifying for Qualifier 1 is extremely high.
Even if they were to lose this match, it remains highly probable that they would still secure a spot among the top two teams. Consequently, RCB might decide to rest some players and provide opportunities to those who have not received much game time thus far. Venkatesh Iyer made the most of just such an opportunity in the previous match against PBKS; in the absence of captain Rajat Patidar, he was promoted to bat at number four. He scored an unbeaten 73 runs off 40 balls and won the 'Player of the Match' award. Jitesh Sharma captained RCB against PBKS. However, the big question is whether Patidar will be available to captain RCB against SRH on Friday.Will Rajat Patidar play in the SRH vs RCB match in IPL 2026?
RCB captain Rajat Patidar missed the match against Punjab Kings due to a suspected concussion. He had sustained a blow to his helmet during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. The injury was located at the back of his head. Consequently, the RCB management decided to rest him. He did not travel with the team to Dharamshala, and in his absence, Jitesh took over the captaincy duties. However, Patidar is all set to make his return in Hyderabad on Friday.
RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has confirmed that the captain is fully fit to play and will lead the team on Friday. Patidar's return is expected to significantly bolster RCB's chances of victory. He is a pivotal middle-order batsman who leads the team with a calm and composed demeanor. Patidar has also displayed magnificent form with the bat; he has scored 337 runs across 11 innings at an average of 33.70 and a strike rate of 192.57, including three half-centuries. This upcoming match is crucial for RCB, as they look to maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs.
Rajat Patidar IPL 2026 Performance
- Matches Played: 12
- Total Runs: 337
- Batting Average: 33.70
- Strike Rate: 192.57
- Half-Centuries: 3
- Sixes Smashed: 31
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