Revealed: Why is Jitesh Sharma captaining RCB instead of Rajat Patidar against SRH in IPL 2025?

In a surprising move, the star Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma is captaining the team in place of Rajat Patidar against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, May 23.

The 65th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is currently underway at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

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Jitesh Sharma replaces Rajat Patidar as RCB captain

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, RCB head coach Andy Flower stated the extended break of over two weeks has been quite beneficial for the franchise as it has helped some players get back to top shape ahead of the playoffs.

Andy Flower also confirmed that Rajat Patidar, who had suffered a finger injury during the home game against Chennai Super Kings before IPL was suspended and was wearing a splint to protect it, has recovered from the injury and will be fit to bat.

Despite the confirmation from the head coach, it looks like Rajat Patidar is still not at his 100% as he will play against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the impact player. This development was confirmed by RCB stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma at the toss.

"Rajat Patidar is the impact player. Mayank comes in for Padikkal," the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma said at the toss after getting the opportunity to lead the team due to Patidar's injury.

Jitesh Sharma has become just the ninth cricketer to lead the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the history of the Indian Premier League. He has joined Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, and Rajat Patidar in the elite list.

This is my first time as an RCB captain - Jitesh Sharma

At the toss, Ravi Shastri asked Jitesh whether he was leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the first time ever. Replying to this, he said:

"Never, Sir! This is my first time as an RCB captain. But I have captained PBKS against SRH only."

While talking about the pitch, Jitesh said that it looks good, but the conditions are unfamiliar to them. He said:

"Looking like a nice pitch. This is an unfamiliar surface for us. We are bowling first. We are looking to take the most of advantage of the moisture."

RCB stand-in skipper added that they don't want to get complacent after qualifying for the playoffs and are aiming for a top-two finish. He said:

"We have raised our bar. We want to finish in the top two. We have qualified. We are not complacent. We want to go into the playoffs, topping the table."

We have got a good culture - Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma also expressed delight over the culture built by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and stated that they want to end the IPL trophy drought this time around. He said:

"All because of the senior players. Team management is good. They have supported the juniors. Winning or losing is a different part. We have got a good culture. The atmosphere is great. As you know, RCB always enjoys cricket."

"Obviously, we want to win every game, both league matches and all the playoff matches, and win the cup."