RCB's Rajat Patidar Cleared to Play Against SRH in Final League Match

In a crucial update for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, skipper Rajat Patidar has been cleared to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league match. After missing a game due to concussion protocols, Patidar's return is timely as RCB aims to finish the league stage on a high note. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat emphasized the team's focus on treating each match with seriousness, regardless of the opponent. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the purple cap race, RCB is poised for a competitive showdown. Read on to discover more about their strategies and preparations for this important clash.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 02:16 IST

RCB Prepares for Crucial Match Against SRH

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] - As the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up for their last league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mo Bobat, the Director of Cricket for RCB, confirmed that skipper Rajat Patidar is fit to play. Patidar had previously missed a game due to concussion protocols after being struck on the helmet during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

RCB has already secured a place in the playoffs and aims to conclude their league stage on a high note by defeating the Men in Orange, who have also qualified for the playoffs. In Patidar's absence, Jitesh Sharma captained the team in their recent match against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Bobat stated, “Rajat is ready to go. We were careful and didn’t want to take any chances with his health. We decided to allow him extra time to recover, but he’s back, practicing, and fit to play.”

He emphasized the team's approach, stating, “We treat every match with the same seriousness, regardless of whether we are playing at home or away. Our focus is on understanding the conditions, respecting our opponents, and executing our game plan effectively.”

Bobat continued, “It may sound cliché, but we take it one game at a time. We’ve been consistent, winning several matches, and even in losses, we’ve remained competitive. Our focus is solely on the next game.”

Looking ahead to the match against SRH, he noted, “Every team in this league is strong, with players capable of changing the game. We must remain humble and respectful of our opponents while being clear about our strengths. We’re not overly concerned with past records; our focus is on the upcoming game.”

Bobat also praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who leads the purple cap race with 24 wickets in 13 matches, saying, “Bhuvi has been outstanding. His wicket-taking ability and rhythm have been impressive, both at the start and end of innings.”

On Kumar's overall contribution, Bobat remarked, “He provides valuable insights during meetings and is a great support for Rajat and Jitesh under pressure. His presence adds significant value to our team.”