RCB's Rajat Patidar ruled out of IPL 2023: Here's why
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Rajat Patidar has been ruled out of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to Achilles Heel injury. The right-handed batter, who was nursing the injury, is undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. However, the Royal Challengers, on Tuesday, informed that he will miss the whole season. Here are further details.
Why does this story matter?
Patidar enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2022, having played a couple of sensational knocks in the playoffs. The same earned him a maiden Team India call-up. However, owing to his heel injury, he was advised to miss the initial half of the 2023 season. As per reports, his participation depended on an MRI scan. And now, Patidar has been ruled out of the season.
Breakthrough IPL 2022 season
As mentioned, Patidar was on a roll in IPL 2022 as he amassed 333 runs in just eight games at a sensational average of 55.5. He struck at a staggering rate of 152.75. The tally includes a match-winning century (112*) versus Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator. In the second Qualifier, he also smothered a half-century (58) versus Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Here's how Patidar grabbed the opportunity
Patidar went unsold at last year's mega auction. He later came in as a replacement midway through the season following an injury to wicket-keeper Luvnith Sisodia. The youngster grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
No replacement for Patidar yet
Notably, the RCB management won't name a replacement player for Patidar. The participation of Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood also hangs in balance as he continues to recover from Achilles tendonitis. RCB are also without Will Jacks, who was ruled out of the tournament before the start. Michael Bracewell replaced him later on. Meanwhile, Reece Topley picked up a shoulder injury during RCB's opener.
RCB won their opener against MI
RCB thrashed Mumbai Indians (MI) by eight wickets to start their IPL 2023 season in style. Match number five of the tournament season saw MI post 171/7, with Tilak Varma scoring an unbeaten 84. Karn Sharma claimed two scalps for RCB. In response, a solid opening stand between Virat Kohli (82*) and Faf du Plessis (73) handed RCB a victory.
