Why is Rajat Patidar Not Playing in PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026 Match?

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a significant blow in their PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), as regular captain Rajat Patidar will miss the fixture. The high-stakes encounter, held at the HPCA Stadium on Sunday, sees the league leaders attempting to secure their playoff berth without their primary leader and middle-order mainstay. You can find Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match scorecard here. 

Why is Rajat Patidar Not Playing in PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026 Match?

Speculation regarding Patidar’s availability began earlier this week when the skipper was noticeably absent from the team’s official travel videos to Dharamsala. Sources within the franchise have since confirmed that Patidar did not travel with the squad and missed both scheduled practice sessions at the venue.

Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma confirmed at the toss about Patidar's missing out from the starting XI, while confirming that the regular skipper will be back leading the side in SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 match. Dharamshala Weather and Rain Forecast for PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026.

This is not a new role for Jitesh, who previously led the side during the latter stages of the IPL 2025 season when Patidar was sidelined with a finger injury.

His leadership will be tested immediately as RCB faces a Punjab side desperate to break a five-match losing streak. The team management has also had to shuffle the batting order, with Patidar’s prolific scoring, 326 runs this season at a strike rate of 195, leaving a considerable gap in the middle.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2026 03:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).