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RCB's Key Players Return for IPL 2025

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 15: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have welcomed their captain Rajat Patidar and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma back to the team as they prepare for the Indian Premier League (IPL) resumption on May 17 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Patidar's return is particularly encouraging for RCB supporters, especially after concerns arose that he might miss the rest of IPL 2025 due to a finger injury sustained during a match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3. Reports from ESPNCricinfo indicated that he was advised to wear a splint and refrain from training for at least ten days before reassessing his condition. The IPL had been temporarily halted due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

RCB's official social media account shared a photo of Rajat and Jitesh's arrival, stating, “Captain Rajat and his partner-in-crime Jitesh are back at base, ready to light up the remainder of #IPL2025 with the same swag, same intent, and more fire! Let’s wish them the best in the comments, 12th Man Army!”

As the season progresses, Patidar will be looking to improve his performance, having struggled in recent matches. Across 11 games and 10 innings, he has accumulated 239 runs with an average of 23.90 and a strike rate of 140.58, including two half-centuries, with a top score of 64.

In contrast, Jitesh has scored 128 runs in 11 matches, averaging 25.60 with a strike rate of 142.22, and his highest score being 40 not out.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Monday that the 18th season of IPL 2025 will resume, revealing the schedule for the remaining 17 matches.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the BCCI confirmed that after thorough discussions with government officials, security agencies, and other stakeholders, they decided to continue with the season. The league had been suspended for a week due to the cross-border tensions.

The IPL is set to restart on May 17, with RCB facing off against the defending champions, KKR, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

A total of 17 matches will be held across six venues, starting on May 17 and concluding with the final on June 3. The updated schedule includes two double-headers on Sundays.

The selected venues for the matches are Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. Notably, Kolkata's Eden Gardens, which was originally slated to host the final, is not included in the revised list.

According to the new timetable, the first Qualifier will take place on May 29, followed by the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 30 and June 1, respectively. The IPL 2025 will wrap up on June 3, with playoff venues yet to be announced.