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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a massive setback just before their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on Sunday (May 17). In a shocking development, RCB’s in-form captain Rajat Patidar will miss the crucial match against PBKS due to injury.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are now just one win away from reaching the IPL 2026 playoffs officially. RCB are currently at the top of the points table with 16 points from 12 matches and have played consistently well this season as they aim to defend their title.
Jitesh Sharma set to lead RCB against PBKS after Rajat Patidar injury shock in IPL 2026
RCB is now aiming to make the most of the Punjab Kings’ struggle in Dharamshala, but before this crucial match, they have lost their captain, Rajat Patidar, to injury. Several media reports suggested that Patidar missed the team’s recent couple of practice sessions.
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And now, the captain has been ruled out of the PBKS vs RCB clash on Sunday afternoon. It is also being said that Patidar did not even travel with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad to Dharamshala. But the exact kind of injury he has suffered is yet to be known.
Notably, Patidar has been in sensational form with the bat for RCB this season. The captain has so far amassed 326 runs in 10 innings at a blistering strike rate of 195. He is now expected to recover in time for RCB's final league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 22 in Hyderabad.
Jitesh Sharma set for captaincy duty despite Virat Kohli's presence
With Rajat Patidar unavailable, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has reportedly been handed the job to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Punjab Kings in their away game in Dharamsala on May 17 despite the fact that they have the very experienced Virat Kohli in their ranks.
This match is very important for both the RCB and PBKS sides, yet the team management wants Jitesh Sharma, the vice-captain of the team, to lead the side in Dharamshala on Sunday.
A Times of India journalist posted, X: “Jitesh Sharma is set to captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru today vs Punjab Kings at Dharamshala as Rajat Patidar is injured & didn't even travel to Dharamshala.”
Jitesh Sharma set to captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru today vs Punjab Kings at Dharamshala as Rajat Patidar is injured & didnt even travel to Dharamshala #RCBvsPBKS @RCBTweets @IPL
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) May 17, 2026
Virat Kohli eyes another masterclass against PBKS
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will be once again the biggest danger for Punjab Kings in RCB’s big IPL 2026 clash. The RCB superstar has always enjoyed batting against PBKS and holds a massive record against them. Kohli has so far scored 1,159 runs against PBKS in the IPL, which is the highest by any batter against one team in tournament history.
The former captain also had a great record in Dharamshala. During IPL 2024, Kohli completely dominated Punjab Kings with a brilliant knock of 92 runs from just 47 balls. Now, he would love to continue his dominance against the PBKS in Dharamshala.
Last week, Kohli faced criticism after getting out for two back-to-back ducks. But like always, the dashing right-hander responded to them strongly by hammering a classy century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and showed why he is still one of the best batters in the world.
