Kane Richardson IPL 2021: Why is Rajat Patidar not playing today’s IPL 2021 match vs Rajasthan Royals?

Rajat Patidar not playing: The batsman from Royal Challengers Bangalore has been excluded after a couple of single-digit scores.

During the 16th match of the ongoing 14th season of the Indian Premier League between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli has won the toss and chose to field.

“Going to bowl. Have seen results here whether there’s dew or not. Still continues to be a high scoring ground. Last night we saw even if you lose early wickets, just one partnership and you’re never far in the game. Been batting well as a group. Confident we can chase anything down.

“At the same time we’re bowling well as well. Just want to get into this pitch and conditions with the new ball and try and exploit whatever we can. Very exciting for me as a batsman but the bowlers will have to adjust. Good thing is we have bowlers with height who can swing the new ball. Will look to make the most of that new ball,” Kohli told Star Sports at the toss.

Why is Rajat Patidar not playing vs Rajasthan Royals?

Slated to bat for the first time this season, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson considered the same to be a “good experience” for his batsmen and called for the need to play “good cricket”.

“Will be a good experience for the batsmen to bat first. Saw the last game it can get tight in the end. It’s evenly balanced, we just need to play some good cricket. It’s all about playing with the heart. Ups and downs are going to happen in IPL. Important to trust yourself and trust your teammates,” Samson told Star Sports at the toss.

Talking about the changes made to their Playing XI, both Royal Challengers and Royals have made a change each. For RCB, fast bowler Kane Richardson will be playing his first match this season in place of batsman Rajat Patidar. The development means that Bangalore are back to playing four overseas players in their XI.

Having made his IPL debut for Pune Warriors in 2013, Richardson will begin his second stint for RCB tonight. Having last represented them in 2016, the 30-year old player hasn’t played in the IPL since then. It is worth mentioning that Bangalore had bought Richardson for INR 4 crore in IPL 2020 auction.

ALSO READ: Why did Kane Richardson opt out of IPL 2020?

A primary reason why Patidar has been benched is him returning with two single-digit scores in as many outings this season. Rajasthan, on the other hand, have included spinner Shreyas Gopal for fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat.