IPL 2025: RCB captain Rajat Patidar dispels injury concerns ahead of KKR clash | Cricket News – The Times of India

Bengaluru: The break within the IPL this season appears to have labored in Rajat Patidar’s favour. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain, who suffered a proper ring finger injury in opposition to Chennai Super Kings in a house recreation on May 3, obtained a while to get better for the rest of the season, which resumes right here on Saturday. With his availability a speaking level ahead of RCB’s match in opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders right here, the trendy proper-hander made a press release on match eve on Thursday.On Thursday, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt had been the primary batters to begin proceedings within the workforce’s first full coaching session after the break. As the opening duo showcased their vary of photographs, Patidar targeted on primary health routines close to the boundary line. The 31-12 months-outdated performed shadow photographs earlier than heading in the direction of the nets. To start with, Patidar, who strapped his finger, took some low throwdowns. It was evident that the participant was attempting to check his finger, which was taped. Once Patidar felt comfy, he walked in the direction of the principle nets and obtained right down to enterprise.Initially, he lacked energy in his photographs, even miscuing just a few. Patidar, who was watched intently by batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik, pushed just a few balls to both facet of the wicket earlier than unleashing his massive hits. Most of it landed within the stands, together with his timing being a standout function. With each shot, Patidar grew in confidence and introduced out his trademark aerial cowl drives. While Patidar’s present throughout coaching is a big aid for the workforce, it additionally strengthens the Madhya Pradesh participant’s case for the England tour. Proving his match health might be essential with an India A squad name-up within the pipeline.

While focus was on Patidar’s health, others obtained their time within the center, together with Karnataka’s Mayank Agarwal, who’s Devdutt Padikkal’s injury alternative. The bowling unit, led by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, went via the grind. The latter has an enormous function to play for the in-type franchise, with Josh Hazlewood’s availability in query and South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi set to overlook the Playoffs.Who’s that IPL participant?KKR GO THROUGH THE PACESThe KKR squad, barring Rovman Powell and Moeen Ali, too obtained right down to enterprise. Confirming the duo’s absence, the franchise said, “Powell and Ali couldn’t come back due to medical reasons. Rovman is undergoing a procedure, while Moeen and his family are down with a viral infection.”RAIN PAINSaturday’s clash – with rain risk looming – is an enormous recreation for the guests, who lie in sixth place and a defeat will make issues troublesome for them within the Playoff race. On the opposite hand, RCB, who lie second with 16 factors from 11 video games, have all however sealed their berth.