Rajat Patidar Injury: Top 3 Candidates Who Can Lead RCB in IPL 2026

Rajat Patidar's participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is apparently uncertain, as he has been sidelined for 4 months due to an injury. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain, Patidar helped them win their maiden IPL title last year.

In 38 innings, Patidar has amassed 1,111 runs at a strike rate of 154.30 in the IPL. He struggled with the bat in the previous season, scoring just 312 runs at an average of 24 but played key knocks which included two fifties.

Apart from leading RCB to the trophy last season, he led Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy and ended the competition as the leading run-scorer thanks to his outstanding century. In his five appearances, he top-scored with 382 runs at an average of about 76.50 and showed why he is considered one of the best batsmen in India at the moment.

Rajat Patidar Injury Update

According to reports, Rajat Patidar tore a muscle during last week's first unofficial Test between South Africa A and India A in Bengaluru. In the inaugural unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru, Patidar batted in both innings, scoring 19 and 28 runs, respectively. His injury prevented him from playing in the second unofficial Test.

In addition, Rajat will also miss the other domestic tournaments due to this injury as he is expected to be out for four months. As a result, Patidar will not be able to play for Madhya Pradesh in the remaining Ranji Trophy season as well as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

IPL 2026 begins in March and there is a slight chance that he might miss the beginning of the new season. As the auction approaches, the team management might appoint a new RCB captain who can lead the team next season.

Rajat Patidar Replacement: 3 Players who can be New RCB Captain in IPL 2026

There are several options who can be given the captaincy of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. All these players are capable enough to lead the team and most importantly, are an important part of the first-choice playing 11. Here are those candidates who can become the new RCB captain:

Jitesh Sharma

The front-runner to captain the RCB in Patidar's absence is Jitesh Sharma. During Patidar's absence last season, he led them in two matches, winning one and losing one. Jitesh is one of the team's brightest minds and his selection as India A's captain for the Rising Stars Asia Cup demonstrates how well regarded his leadership abilities are.

Krunal Pandya

One of the most experienced players on the RCB team, Krunal Pandya, has plenty of domestic and league captaincy experience. He has captained Baroda in all forms and previously led the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League. Since Pandya is another proven player who knows how to manage a T20 team, he may be the captain of the RCB.

Virat Kohli

Since giving up the position in 2021, Virat Kohli has not shown any desire to lead RCB again, although he is still a possibility for the role. Overall, Kohli is among the most successful captains in IPL having captained RCB 143 times. Under Virat's captaincy, and won 66 games with a win percentage of 48.56. Virat Kohli may always take the helm because of his value and expertise in the team he has played for eighteen years.