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RCB Injury Curse Deepens: Iyer & Patidar Hit Scare Ahead of IPL 2026
7 Jan
Summary
- Venkatesh Iyer retired hurt with 1 run in Vijay Hazare Trophy clash.
- Rajat Patidar made his comeback, scoring 29 runs off 37 balls.
- RCB faces multiple injury concerns for IPL 2026, including Iyer.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves in a precarious position as IPL 2026 looms, with injury concerns plaguing key players. Venkatesh Iyer, captain of Madhya Pradesh, experienced an alarming moment during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Jharkhand on January 6, 2026. He was forced to retire hurt after scoring just one run, raising immediate fears within the RCB camp.
Adding to the club's worries, Rajat Patidar, RCB's captain, marked his return to competitive cricket on the same day. While he managed to score 29 runs off 37 balls, his performance was cut short, and he was eventually bowled out. Patidar's return, though positive after recovering from an ankle injury, was part of a gradual workload management plan to ensure his readiness for the IPL 2026 season.
These fresh concerns for Iyer and Patidar compound RCB's existing injury list, which includes Phil Salt, Tim David, and Josh Hazlewood. Furthermore, Yash Dayal's legal troubles make his participation in the next season highly unlikely. The team's depth and preparedness for IPL 2026 are now under significant scrutiny due to these persistent challenges.
