Rajat Patidar’s Injury Impact
Rajat Patidar's recent injury during an India A match has placed his captaincy status for IPL 2026 in doubt. With expected recovery time of at least four months, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) management must consider alternatives. Injury recovery timelines can be unpredictable, intensifying the urgency to evaluate leadership options.
Top Contenders for RCB Captaincy
Here are three players who could potentially fill the captaincy role should Patidar be unavailable:
1. Jitesh Sharma
Widely regarded as the leading candidate, Jitesh Sharma captained RCB in two matches last season in Patidar's absence. His record was mixed—one win, one loss—but his leadership skills shined through. In particular, his experience as India A captain in the Rising Asia Cup illustrates his capability to lead effectively. Jitesh's retention is likely, making him the prime candidate for an interim captaincy.
2. Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya stands as another strong candidate, thanks to his extensive leadership experience. Currently Baroda's captain across formats, he's also helmed the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. His seasoned approach is vital for guiding RCB in a challenging T20 format, positioning him as a suitable vice-captain or an outright captain if needed.
3. Virat Kohli
Although Virat Kohli has distanced himself from the captaincy since 2021, his experience as the franchise's all-time leader—143 matches and 66 wins, a 48.56% success rate—puts him in the conversation. Kohli has stepped up in the past and, should he be required, his knowledge of high-pressure situations could benefit the team immensely.
Conclusion
Ultimately, RCB may need to make a premature decision about captaincy, depending on Patidar's recovery. Each candidate presents unique benefits that could steer RCB through IPL 2026, making this a critical position as they look for success in the tournament.