IPL 2025: Why is Rajat Patidar not in starting XI in RCB vs SRH Match 65?

Rajat Patidar is not in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025 Match 65, which will be played on May 23 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, with Jitesh Sharma taking over as captain.

RCB has already qualified for the playoffs and will be looking for a win to finish at the top of the points table. Meanwhile, SRH, who were eliminated from the tournament, will try to end their campaign on a high note.

Toss Update

RCB stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first. Speaking at the toss, he praised the team environment by stating that the senior players have guided the juniors and helped to create a positive atmosphere within the squad. SRH captain Pat Cummins acknowledged their team’s form and mentioned that both he and Mohammed Shami had taken on increased workloads.

Rajat Patidar not in the playing XI for RCB; SRH came into the clash with three changes

Rajat Patidar is set to play as an Impact Substitute due to a finger injury, with Jitesh stepping in as the stand-in captain for RCB. Mayank Agarwal has also been included in the playing XI while replacing Devdutt Padikkal. For SRH, Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar, and Jaydev Unadkat have been brought into the playing XI.

What did the captains say?

Jitesh Sharma, RCB skipper

We have raised our bar and we are looking to top the table. We are not complacent. We want to play the playoffs on top. The ways the seniors have handled the juniors have created a good atmosphere and cricketing culture. RCB always enjoy their cricket. We want to win every game. Rajat is the impact player. Mayank is going to replace Padikkal.

Pat Cummins, SRH skipper

We have been playing well in the last few games. The ceiling of our side is pretty high. I am feeling good, thanks. Shami and I have been bowling, getting our workloads up. Three changes for us. Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar and Jaydev Unadkat come in.

Playing 11s

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Jitesh Sharma(w/c), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Suyash Sharma

Impact Subs: Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Dar Salam, Jacob Bethell, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga

Impact Subs: Mohammad Shami, Harsh Dubey, Sachin Baby, Zeeshan Ansari, Simarjeet Singh.