RCB players who could miss IPL 2025 playoffs: The IPL 2025 is about to resume in a couple of days. On May 17, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The Rajat Patidar-led unit has been exceptional this season: with 8 wins in 11 games, RCB are currently sitting in the second slot in the points table, and a win over KKR will seal their place in the playoffs. And not just the playoffs; RCB, with three games in hand, are strong contenders to finish in the top two.
However, they might miss some of their important overseas players in the playoffs. This is because the rejigged IPL schedule, in which the final is slated for June 3, clashes with some international matches.
RCB’s overseas stars have been significant contributors to their success this season. But not all of them are certain to return, and those who will return are not certain to be available for the playoffs.
Which RCB overseas players are returning to play?
Among RCB’s overseas players, it has been confirmed that Romario Shepherd, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Jacob Bethell are available for the resumption of the IPL on May 17. However, there is no certainty over the availability of fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Lungi Ngidi as both are part of the squads for the ICC WTC Final.
RCB players who could miss IPL 2025 playoffs:
Of the above-mentioned four overseas players, RCB may not have the services of Romario Shepherd and Jacob Bethell for the playoffs as both players are selected for the England vs West Indies ODI series, which will start on May 29. Livingstone and Salt are not part of the ENG vs WI ODI series.
It has been reported that Bethell will be available for RCB’s next two games—against KKR and SRH—and will return to England before the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27.
Other teams are facing similar issues with some of their Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa players. Mumbai Indians may have to do the playoffs without Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch, while table-toppers Gujarat Titans could be left bereft of Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, and Sherfane Rutherford.
Other players and teams affected by this are Wiaan Moulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings), Aiden Markram (Lucknow SuperGiants), and Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals).
Enoch Nkwe, the CSA Director of Cricket, said that he’s expecting the WTC Final-bound players to join the South Africa squad as previously planned, but refrained from confirming.
“Yes, we want the Test players back on 26th, but hence I say the matter is getting finalised by higher-ups. (We) can’t confirm yet until the matter is settled between the two governing bodies (CSA and BCCI),” Nkwe said.
Nkwe has hinted that due to the IPL getting postponed by a week, there could be changes to South Africa’s plans. He added, “Correction—the squad will resume training for the game on the 3rd. Like I said, the matter is being discussed higher up than me. At ground level, we are focusing on preps for the WTC Final.”
Get IPL 2025 Live Score, Team Updates along with the Latest Player News at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
