RCB release Rajat Patidar's medical bulletin before SRH clash

The Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team has been in sensational form in the ongoing IPL 2025. They have won eight of their 12 games with matches washed out so far in the tournament, and they are currently in the race for the top two finishes.

However, there were concerns about Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar’s fitness. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their league match on May 23 in Lucknow, their head coach, Andy Flower, shared a positive update on Patidar.

Rajat Patidar cleared to play against SRH as RCB eye Top-2 finish in IPL 2025

RCB have received a big boost ahead of their crucial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, as Andy Flower has confirmed that Patidar is now fully fit and ready to play after recovering from a finger injury. Patidar had hurt his finger while fielding against Chennai Super Kings on May 3.

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The injury kept him out of action, but the tournament’s rescheduling gave him the time he needed to heal. Recently, Patidar was seen wearing a splint on his finger for protection. However, the injury has now healed, and the coach said that the RCB skipper is fit to bat again.

Andy Flower said at the pre-match press conference, “Rajat Patidar, for one, has given his right hand a little bit of time to settle after getting quite a bad knock. So, he is fit to bat, which is great.”

Andy Flower unfazed by 20-day IPL 2025 break

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to return to the action after a gap of nearly 20 days. Their last scheduled match against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17 was unfortunately washed out due to rain at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after the resumption of the league.

However, despite the long break, the head coach has stressed that the RCB’s camp remains upbeat. Instead of losing momentum, the time off has been seen as a positive. Flower said that the break offered the players a chance to relax, recover from niggles, and recharge mentally during what has been a physically demanding season for the crucial phase of the IPL 2025.

The RCB coach added, “We are not too concerned about that (the break). I think the boys have worked really well over the entire season and have played some superb cricket throughout. Yes, a little break now, but for a couple of our players, that has actually been a healthy thing.”

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Andy Flower backs RCB to continue winning streak in away games

Well, RCB will now play the rest of their IPL 2025 matches, including the knockouts, away from home. Their next game against SunRisers Hyderabad, which was originally scheduled in Bengaluru, has been moved to Lucknow due to bad weather.

However, the coach admitted the disappointment of not being able to play their home game in Bengaluru, but he isn’t too worried about the venue change. He pointed to RCB’s flawless away record this season, where they have won all six of their away games.

Flower signed off by saying, “We are obviously disappointed not to be playing tomorrow’s game in Bengaluru. As you know, we struggled in our home conditions initially, and it took us a little while to adjust our game plan according to the pitch. But we did adjust and won a couple of important games at home. We’ve got a good record away. We’ve been able to flex for the away conditions really well, so I am backing our players to do that again tomorrow. So, we’re okay playing here in Lucknow.”