Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has been hit with a hefty INR 24 lakh fine for a code of conduct violation during Match 65 of IPL 2025 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow. Although Jitesh Sharma led the side on the field as stand-in captain, Patidar remains the officially designated skipper for the season. As a result, the responsibility for the breach fell on him despite his limited role in the match, where he returned from injury to feature only as a batter. Also READ: "Age is just a number": Gambhir on Kohli, Rohit playing 2027 ODI World Cup According to the IPL’s official release, this was RCB’s second offence of the season under the tournament’s code of conduct, which automatically triggered a steeper penalty. The remaining members of RCB’s playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each fined either ₹6 lakh or 25% of their match fee, whichever is lower. Earlier in the season, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson faced a similar INR 24 lakh fine following the team’s second offence, even though Riyan Parag had captained the side at that time. The IPL holds the designated team captain accountable, regardless of who leads on match day. SRH captain Pat Cummins was also fined for a slow over rate. As it was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Cummins was fined INR 12 Lakh. No more suspensions under new IPL rules Notably, the IPL introduced a rule change for 2025, which does away with automatic suspensions for captains in the case of repeated breaches. While financial penalties increase with each offence, skippers will no longer be barred from future matches for code violations. Also READ: RCB Face Setback After Loss to SRH, Final Match Crucial This marks a departure from previous seasons, most notably IPL 2024, where Hardik Pandya was suspended and consequently missed Mumbai Indians’ season opener this year due to a carryover ban. Under the current system, such suspensions will not apply going forward.