Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might have to finish their IPL 2025 campaign with a few overseas players likely to be available after the announcement of revised IPL 2025 schedule.
With IPL 2025 resuming on May 17 and the final scheduled for June 3, RCB’s overseas player availability has turned into a complex jigsaw puzzle. A mix of injuries, international commitments, and selective returns has made squad planning extremely challenging — especially heading into the playoffs.
Among RCB’s eight overseas players, only three are currently expected to be fully available for the remainder of the season: Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Nuwan Thushara. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
The Australian pacer, a crucial part of RCB’s bowling lineup, has been recovering from a shoulder niggle and missed their last match before the IPL was paused. With the World Test Championship Final against South Africa scheduled for June 11, Hazlewood is prioritising fitness for that game and is unlikely to return for the remainder of IPL 2025.
Cricket Australia has officially stated that players can choose whether to return to India post-suspension. Tim David, who was among those to return home, has not confirmed any intention to rejoin RCB. Given the short turnaround and continued concerns about safety, his return remains highly unlikely.
Lungi Ngidi has been named in South Africa’s WTC Final squad, but is expected to return for the remainder of the IPL 2025 league stage. However, his availability for the playoffs is uncertain, as South Africa are scheduled to play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe starting June 3 in Sussex — the same day as the IPL final. RCB will be banking on Ngidi’s presence for at least their next few matches, but may need to prepare contingency plans in case he departs before the playoffs begin.
Shepherd, the hero of RCB’s explosive finishes in multiple matches this season, has already been named in West Indies’ squads for the Ireland and England ODI series starting May 21 through June 3 — the exact window of IPL 2025’s final phase. His absence is confirmed, and it’s a massive blow for RCB.
RCB had three England players on their roster, but the availability picture is now clearer. Phil Salt has been named only in England’s T20I squad, with the series beginning June 6, making him fully available for the remainder of the IPL, including playoffs. Liam Livingstone has not been picked in either the ODI or T20I squads, and is also available. However, Jacob Bethell has been named in both England’s ODI and T20I squads for the West Indies series, which runs from May 29 to June 3, meaning he is unavailable for the rest of IPL 2025.
The Sri Lankan pacer is one overseas player from RCB who has shown signs of readiness and availability for the resumption. Thushara is expected to rejoin the RCB squad and could be a key figure in the pace attack alongside domestic names.
Despite the looming overseas exodus, RCB have given themselves a significant buffer with their on-field performances.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have three more matches left to play in the league stage. The RCB schedule is as follows.
What RCB need:
RCB have been one of the most dominant teams this season, riding on strong domestic performances and key overseas cameos early in the campaign. With three matches left, they still hold control over their destiny.
With the IPL 2025 playoffs approaching, RCB’s overseas player shortage remains a critical concern. The management will need to adopt a flexible and tactical approach to navigate the final phase of the tournament with limited foreign options.
Here’s how RCB might respond:
RCB’s path to a top-two finish remains strong, but their depth will be tested unless one or two more overseas players return in time for the knockout games.
ALSO READ:
Unclear. Hazlewood is managing a shoulder injury and expected to be part of Australia’s WTC Final squad. There is still no confirmation on whether he will return for the remainder of the IPL.
Unclear. Cricket Australia has left the decision up to individual players, and Tim David has not confirmed his plans. His return remains uncertain at this stage.
Partially. Ngidi has been named in South Africa’s WTC squad but is expected to return for the remainder of the league stage. However, his availability for the playoffs is doubtful, as South Africa play a warm-up game against Zimbabwe from June 3, ahead of the WTC Final.
No. Shepherd is unavailable as he is part of West Indies’ squads for both the Ireland (May 21–25) and England (May 29–June 3) ODI series — which completely overlaps with the IPL’s final stretch.
No. Bethell has been named in both England’s ODI and T20I squads for the West Indies series, making him unavailable for the rest of IPL 2025.
Yes. Livingstone has not been named in either England’s ODI or T20I squads, making him fully available for RCB during the remainder of the tournament.
Yes. Salt has only been named in England’s T20I squad, with the series starting June 6, after the IPL ends. He is available for the league stage and playoffs.
Yes. Thushara is expected to be available for the rest of the season, with no national duties clashing with the IPL 2025 schedule.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and YouTube.
