The 2025 Indian Premier League will resume on May 17 after a break due to India-Pakistan border tensions. Just like that, the narrative surrounding the IPL has now shifted to the availability of overseas players. At RevSportz, let’s look at how an air of uncertainty over the participation of some of the foreign players could affect certain teams.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been flying high in the IPL, currently sitting at second place in the table. However, Josh Hazlewood’s likely unavailability could throw a spanner or two in their works. Even before the IPL was called off, the veteran Australian pace bowler was struggling with a shoulder niggle. And it looks like he might miss out of the remainder of the tournament.
The pace bowler hasn’t just taken 18 wickets, but he has also been a valuable member of the RCB side at different phases of the innings. He can extract bounce and bowl with exemplary control. On occasions, he has also shown his worth in the slog overs. The way he seems to watch the feet of the batter has played a key role in landing the yorkers.
The promising Jacob Bethell has rejoined the RCB squad, but with England partaking in an important ODI series against the West Indies, starting on May 29, the southpaw is more or less set to fly back home before the match versus Lucknow Super Giants. Romario Shepherd, the hard-hitting all-rounder, could be unavailable for the playoffs for the same reason.
Although Cricket West Indies haven’t given out a statement on whether the Caribbean players, partaking in the IPL, would be missing out on a part of the tournament. There is some uncertainty hovering over Lungi Ngidi too as South Africa will play the World Test Championship final, against Australia, commencing on June 11.
The WTC final-bound South African cricketers are expected to leave India by May 25. Incidentally, the CSA and the BCCI are in discussion over this matter. To make matters worse, Rajat Patidar, the skipper, is battling with a finger issue. On a positive note, Phil Salt is set to be available for the remainder of the tournament as he was dropped from England’s ODI squad.
It is quite evident from the above-mentioned lines that RCB’s surge could be derailed due to a few of their key players having national commitments. What about Gujarat Titans? The team that is sitting on top of the table also have to sort out a few jigsaws of the puzzle.
Jos Buttler will not participate in the playoffs as he is part of England’s limited-overs squads. One of the vital cogs of GT’s well-oiled template is their top order and Buttler is a key member of it. There is some uncertainty over Kagiso Rabada as he is also a part of the South African unit for the WTC final.
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Mumbai Indians, who have made a spectacular comeback, are also in the same boat: The South African duo of Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch are two of the mainstays of the Test squad. Meanwhile, Will Jacks has been included in both of England’s limited-overs squads. So, if as expected MI qualify for the playoffs, he won’t be available.
Punjab Kings, one more contender to progress to the playoffs, will be sweating over the availability of Marco Jansen for the last-four as he too has been selected for the summit clash at Lord’s. They are also awaiting confirmation on the availability of Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis.
Looking at the rosters of the various contenders, it feels as if RCB would be the most affected of the lot, especially in the backdrop of Hazlewood’s likely absence. If the BCCI are able to chart out a way in relation to the participation of WTC final-bound players for the playoffs, then it would bring some relief to the franchises.