Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday as IPL 2025 is set to restart post its suspension. Phil Salt, who had missed a few games of the IPL before its suspension due to injury, was seen sweating it out in the nets. The 28-year-old was seen playing a few big shots and also employed the switch hits and scoop shots.
Salt is set to depart after playing a few games and will miss the playoff matches due to international commitments. Jacob Bethell, who had made his IPL debut during Salt’s absence, has already pulled out of the final few games of IPL 2025. England are set to host West Indies for a series of ODI and T20I matches with Harry Brook leading the side.
The game on Saturday could be hampered by weather, as there is a heavy downpour predicted. Even a single point is enough for RCB to make it to the playoffs, as they will take the spot in the IPL 2025 points table. KKR, on the other hand, have to win the match if they have to retain their little hopes of making it to the playoffs.
Rajat Patidar boost for RCB ahead of KKR game
Skipper Rajat Patidar had suffered an injury to his finger in the home game against Chennai Super Kings two weeks ago. The 31-year-old is set to be fit in time for the game against KKR in front of his home fans on Saturday. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, confirmed the news of Patidar’s availability ahead of the IPL 2025 restart.
ESPN Cricinfo quoted Mo Bobat as saying, “Patidar had an injury to his hand. He's been building up ever so slowly. For him personally, probably the disruption gave him a few more days just to get through some of that early healing, for the swelling to go down and to get used to picking up the bat again. He's practised the last few days and he's going well."
Josh Hazlewood is still a major doubt, having suffered a shoulder injury before the IPL season was halted. With the World Test Championships around the corner, it will be interesting to see if the Aussie pacer makes it to the playing XI on Saturday. It was believed that Hazlewood may not return to India, but the Aussie pacer confirmed his availability for the final few games of the season recently.
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