Injured Rajat Patidar could miss first half of IPL, Josh Hazlewood doubtful

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

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

re are also "serious doubts" over Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood's participation in tournament as he continues to recover from Achilles tendonitis, adding to Faf du Plessis-led team's woes ahead of league starting in less than a week's time.

32-year-old Hazlewood was signed for Rs 7.75 crore in mega-auction last year.

As far as Patidar is concerned, report stated that player has been "advised rest for next three weeks before an MRI scan will determine his participation in second half of competition".

Patidar, who picked up injury prior to joining camp, will need an NCA clearance heading back to RCB setup.

Patidar, who wasn't picked at last year's mega auction but came in as a replacement midway through season following an injury to wicketkeeper Luvnith Sisodia, made a statement in Eliminator by hitting fastest hundred by an Indian in tournament's history.

With 333 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 152.75, Patidar ended season as third-highest run-scorer for RCB, behind Du Plessis and Virat Kohli.