Bad news for RCB before the start of IPL 2023, Shatakveer player may be out
New Delhi. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) top-order batsman Rajat Patidar is doubtful for the opening (first half) of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) phase due to a heel injury. According to reports, the 29-year-old Patidar is currently undergoing a ‘rehabilitation’ process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. There is also a ‘serious doubt’ over Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the tournament as he is recovering from ‘Achilles tendinitis’.
This has raised concerns ahead of the upcoming phase of the Faf du Plessis-led team. Hazlewood, 32, was bought last year for Rs 7.75 crore. As far as Patidar is concerned, according to reports he has been advised “rest for the next three weeks after which his MRI scan will decide his participation in the ‘second half’ of the IPL.” Patidar, who was one of the standout performers for RCB last season, had suffered an injury before joining the camp and would need a go-ahead from the NCA to join the squad.
Patidar was not picked in last year’s auction but came in as a replacement for wicketkeeper Lavneet Sisodia mid-season due to injury. Patidar then scored the fastest century by an Indian player in the history of the tournament in the Eliminator. He was also the third highest run getter for RCB after Duplessis and Virat Kohli.
