IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar of RCB head coach Andy Flower, big updated on Phil Salat’s fitness

Head coach Andy Flower said the extended break has not disturbed the rhythm of Royal Challengers Bangalore and has only helped some players, including captain silver Patidar, has helped to return to the top shape before the playoffs. The Patidar suffered a finger injury during a house game against Chennai Super Kings before dissolving the IPL for a week due to the Indo-Pak military conflict. “We are not very worried about that (break). I think the boys have done a really good job throughout the season and they have played some great cricket throughout the season. Yes, now a little break, but for some of our players who are really a healthy thing,”.

Flowers on the eve of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad here.

The Patidar was about to disintegrate to protect his injured finger, but on May 17, he got another day to recover as an RCB match against Kolkata Knight Riders due to rain in Bengaluru.

Flower said, “Rajat Patidar has given some time to his right hand for one so that there can be a very bad knock. Therefore, he is fit to bat, which is very good.”

“(Opener Phil) salt was ill for a while, so this (break) has given him a little chance to go home. He has recharged his battery and he has returned with full force.

He said, “Of course, everyone and all our fans in the competition wanted the competition plan, but big things were in hand and we had to roll with it,” he said.

Royal Challengers will now play all their matches, including knockouts, away from home and Flower said the team has prepared well for the challenge bending on its outstanding record.

RCB was originally scheduled to play SRH at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but the match was transferred to Lucknow due to bad weather forecasts in Bengaluru.

“We are clearly disappointed that we are not playing yesterday’s game in Bengaluru. As you know, we initially struggled in our home conditions, and we took some time to accommodate our game plan according to the pitch and we adjusted it and we won some important games at home.

He said, “We have got a good record. We are really able to flex for situations really well, so I am supporting my players to do so again tomorrow. So, we are playing here in Lucknow,” he said.

Royal Challengers have an all-win record in six matches in the IPL of this season that played away from home.

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