Why are Rajat Patidar and Marco Jansen not playing today's PBKS vs RCB game in Dharamshala?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru walked out for their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings with a surprise captain at the toss, as Jitesh Sharma led the side in place of Rajat Patidar. Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to field first in Dharamshala, with Shreyas Iyer saying PBKS wanted to trust their skills rather than overthink the numbers.

For RCB, Patidar's absence is a major talking point because he has been one of their most important batters this season. Punjab also made changes, with Marco Jansen missing out after a poor run with the ball. In a match that can take RCB closer to qualification and keep PBKS alive in the playoff race, both absences are significant.

Rajat Patidar ruled out with injury, Jitesh Sharma leads RCB against PBKS

Rajat Patidar is not playing today because of injury and did not travel to Dharamshala for the match. In his absence, Jitesh Sharma has taken over as RCB captain. Patidar is not even listed among the Impact Player options, which confirms that RCB did not consider him available for this game.

Jitesh gave a positive update at the toss, saying, 'Rajat is doing fantastic now and hopefully we’ll see him in Hyderabad.' That suggests RCB expect him back for their final league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Patidar's absence is still a big setback. He has scored 337 runs in 12 matches this season at a strike rate of 192.57 and has been one of RCB’s strongest middle-order forces. His ability to attack spin and dominate the middle overs has played a huge role in Bengaluru’s strong campaign.

RCB made two changes: Suyash Sharma came in for Patidar, while Romario Shepherd replaced Jacob Duffy. Jitesh said, 'We would have loved to bowl first, but the wicket is good and should play well for 40 overs. Every game is important, this win can change a lot for us and other teams.'

Why Marco Jansen is not playing for PBKS vs RCB

Marco Jansen has been left out by Punjab Kings after a difficult run, especially his expensive outing against Mumbai Indians. In that game at Dharamshala, Jansen conceded 55 runs in four overs and took only one wicket, finishing with an economy rate of 13.75. That spell came at a time when Punjab badly needed control, and it became one of the reasons MI were able to chase successfully.

His struggles have not been limited to one match. Across IPL 2026, Jansen has taken only seven wickets in 12 matches and has gone at an economy rate above 10. For an overseas fast-bowling all-rounder, those numbers are not enough, especially when the team is on a five-match losing streak.

PBKS brought in Harpreet Brar and Lockie Ferguson for this match. Shreyas Iyer confirmed at the toss, 'Brar comes in and Lockie comes in.' The move gives Punjab a different balance: Brar adds spin control, while Ferguson brings high pace.

Also READ: Dharamshala Weather Report: Will rain play spoilsport in the PBKS vs RCB clash at HPCA Stadium?

Big changes in a high-pressure IPL 2026 Playoff game

This match carries serious playoff weight. RCB can move closer to sealing qualification with a win, while PBKS are trying to stop a five-match losing streak and keep their top-four hopes alive.

For RCB, losing Patidar hurts the batting and leadership group, but Jitesh has captained the side before. In IPL 2025, he led RCB against LSG and smashed 85 not out off 33 balls in a memorable chase, so this is not completely unfamiliar territory.

For PBKS, dropping Jansen is a form-based call. Punjab's bowling has collapsed during their losing streak, and the management had to try something different. On a Dharamshala surface where the ball can fly, they could not afford another expensive overseas pace spell.

So the simple answer is this: Rajat Patidar misses out due to injury and is expected to return in Hyderabad, while Marco Jansen has been dropped after poor bowling form, with PBKS turning to Brar and Lockie Ferguson in a must-win contest.