Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), missed the crucial IPL match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 17 due to a head injury sustained in a previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma did not disclose the specifics of Patidar's injury but hinted at a possible concussion, which would require a seven-day stand-down period under ICC Concussion Management Guidelines. If confirmed, Patidar would remain sidelined until May 20, just ahead of RCB's next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 22. Despite this setback, Sharma noted that Patidar is feeling 'fantastic' and is hopeful for his return. In Patidar's absence, RCB made strategic changes to their lineup, bringing in Romario Shepherd to bolster the batting order. The team lost the toss and was asked to bat first, with a playing XI that includes prominent players such as Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood. RCB aims to maintain momentum in the tournament despite the loss of their captain.