Why is Jitesh Sharma leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru even with Rajat Patidar playing?

Jitesh Sharma (Pic: IPL/BCCI)

With regular skipper Rajat Patidar still recovering from injury, the leadership reins of Royal Challengers Bengaluru were handed to Jitesh Sharma for their crucial IPL 2025 fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The decision came as Patidar, although included in the matchday squad, was not fit enough to start and was instead named as the designated impact substitute.

To fill the gap left by the injured Devdutt Padikkal, Karnataka batter Mayank Agarwal was drafted into the playing XI. Padikkal has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury.

At the toss, Sharma, leading RCB for the first time, expressed his thoughts on stepping up as captain. "It's my first time captaining RCB. I captained PBKS against SRH last year. We are thinking of bowling first, and want to take most of the surface moisture. We are looking forward to finishing the league at top of the table and entering the playoffs. The management has taken care of the players. We have a good atmosphere and culture. We want to win every game and win the cup. Rajat Patidar is the impact player. Mayank comes in for Padikkal," he said.

This strategic approach indicates RCB's intent to end the league stage on a strong note. They are eyeing a win that could take them above Gujarat Titans and potentially secure a top-two finish, a position that offers a second chance in the playoffs. The side has enjoyed a promising campaign and would be keen to carry that momentum into the knockout rounds.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, already eliminated from the playoff race, have nothing to lose. They will aim to spoil Bengaluru's aspirations and conclude their season with a spirited performance. Earlier this week, SRH had dashed Lucknow Super Giants' hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, proving that they are more than capable of upsetting top-tier contenders.

For Bengaluru, the absence of Patidar at the helm might have raised eyebrows, but with Sharma's prior leadership experience and confidence, the team appears well-positioned to handle the pressure. Patidar's role as an impact substitute allows the team to still benefit from his presence in a limited capacity, ensuring flexibility in both batting and fielding.