Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be missing their regular skipper Rajat Patidar in their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will lead the team in Patidar’s absence. Patidar, a key performer for RCB this season with 326 runs in 10 innings, will be back for their last game in Hyderabad.
An IPL source confirmed Patidar’s absence for the match, which is a rematch of the 2025 IPL final where RCB won their first title against PBKS. Jitesh Sharma, who captained RCB in IPL 2025 playoffs, will take charge in this crucial clash. Patidar’s absence poses a challenge for RCB’s middle order, and his replacement for the match against CSK remains to be seen.
RCB, currently leading the points table, aims to secure their playoffs spot with a win over PBKS. Despite missing opener Phil Salt due to injury, RCB is on a winning streak. Jacob Bethell will partner with Virat Kohli at the top in Salt’s absence. Jitesh Sharma, facing a lean season, will look to regain form as captain before the playoffs.
