Rajat Patidar Returns to Competitive Cricket for Madhya Pradesh Ahead of IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has successfully returned to competitive cricket, featuring for Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Patidar, who had been managing a careful workload following recovery from a left ankle injury, played his first match back against Jharkhand.

While Patidar scored 29 runs off 37 balls before being dismissed, his return is a significant positive for RCB, who are currently managing several injury concerns ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The team management had advised Patidar rest as part of a slow and careful workload plan, ensuring he builds up gradually for the upcoming IPL campaign. His successful return provides a much-needed boost to the franchise's preparations.