Bengaluru (Karnataka), May 15: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 gears up for a dramatic return on May 17 following a brief suspension, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) received a major boost with skipper Rajat Patidar and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma rejoining the squad.
Patidar’s comeback is particularly reassuring for fans, as earlier reports suggested he might miss the remainder of the season due to a finger injury sustained during RCB’s clash with Chennai Super Kings on May 3. Initially advised to wear a splint and refrain from training for 10 days, Patidar’s return signals successful recovery and readiness to lead from the front.
RCB celebrated the duo’s arrival with a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Captain Rajat and his partner-in-crime Jitesh are back at base, ready to light up the remainder of #IPL2025 with the same swag, same intent, and more fire! Let’s wish them the best in the comments, 12th Man Army!”
Performance so far
Patidar has had a mixed run in the 2025 season so far, scoring 239 runs in 10 innings at an average of 23.90 and a strike rate of 140.58, with two half-centuries to his name, including a top score of 64. Jitesh Sharma has contributed 128 runs in 11 matches, averaging 25.60 with a strike rate of 142.22, and a highest score of 40*.
IPL 2025 Resumes After One-Week Suspension
The BCCI officially announced the resumption of IPL 2025 on Monday night after a one-week suspension due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Following high-level consultations with government and security agencies, the BCCI cleared the way for the league to continue.
The action resumes on May 17, with RCB taking on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Revised Schedule at a Glance:
- 17 matches to be played from May 17 to June 3
- Six venues: Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Ahmedabad
- Two double-headers on upcoming Sundays
- Playoffs:
- Qualifier 1: May 29
- Eliminator: May 30
- Qualifier 2: June 1
- Final: June 3 (venue TBD)
Notably, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, originally slated to host the final, is absent from the updated venue list.
As the league resumes, RCB — buoyed by the return of their captain and core players — will look to reignite their playoff push and chase their elusive maiden IPL title.