Injured Patidar could miss first half of IPL, Hazlewood doubtful

New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s top-order batter Rajat Patidar could miss the first half of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) owing to a heel injury.

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the 29-year-old Patidar, who was one of the top performers for RCB last season, is currently undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

There are also “serious doubts” over Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the tournament as

he continues to recover from Achilles tendonitis, adding to the Faf du Plessis-led team’s woes ahead of the league

starting in less than a week’s time. The 32-year-old Hazlewood was signed for Rs 7.75 crore in the mega-auction last year. As far as Patidar is concerned, the report stated that the player has been “advised rest for the next

three weeks.