The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 had to stop in the middle of the season due to the increase in border tensions between India-Pakistan. The BCCI officially announced a one -week break for the tournament.

Now that both countries have accepted fire, the IPL continues. A new schedule has been launched for the remaining 17 games. The League will resume on May 17 with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Chinnaswamy stadium. The playoffs are now scheduled from May 29 to June 3.

While it is good news that the tournament has returned, the revised dates could be a problem for the best teams such as RCB. They are currently the second in the points table with 16 points of 11 games, and only a victory will seal its place in the playoffs. Two victories could even ensure a place between the top two. But the great concern is that some of its key players could not return, since the new IPL dates from international matches and the commitments of the national team.

Let’s take a look at the four players who may not be available for RCB in the Playoffs of IPL 2025.

More identification

Lungi Ngidi has only played a game for RCB this season, but caused a strong impression by collecting three Wickts against CSK. Despite that, he did not get more games because Josh Hazlewood was working very well.

Now, Ngidi has been selected for the World Testing Championship final. South Africa wants it back before May 26, as agreed with IPL and BCCI. So, even if RCB plans to play it later, it may not be available to playoffs.

“The initial agreement with the IPL/BCCI, with the final of the 25th, the players would return on 26. Nothing has changed from our perspective, that is the ongoing conversation. As is, we want our players to return on 26. Hopefully that will come to Fruition,” said Shukri Conrad.

Romario Sheepherd

Romario Shepherd has played an important role for RCB in recent games. It has gone well with Bat and Ball and helped the team stay strong in the second half of the season.

However, he can leave the Tournament early because the Western Indies have an ODI series against England as of May 29. Since it is already in the Western Indies team, RCB may not have it available for playoffs.

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Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell had his chance when Phil Salt was injured, and had a solid impact. He scored 67 races in two games, including half a rapid century, which demonstrates its value.

But since it has been selected for the ODI series of England against the Western Indies as of May 29, IPL playoffs could be lost. That would leave RCB below a useful batting option.

Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood has been the best RCB bowling player this season. He has taken 18 WICKETS in just 10 games. His good bowling alley has helped RCB stay close to the top of the points table.

But now, he has a shoulder injury. He has also been chosen to play for Australia in the final of the World Testing Championship. So, the rest of the IPL will probably be lost, which is a great loss for RCB.

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