Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has made headlines with the return of three key English players: Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is scheduled to resume on May 17 after a brief suspension due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Prior to their encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which will be the first game following the restart, the trio’s return is expected to bolster RCB.
As the IPL nears its conclusion, the availability of international players has become a significant problem. Due to the turmoil, many players took flights home, and some were anticipated to miss the rest of the tournament because of upcoming international commitments. But the restart is the result of a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Tim David, an all-rounder from Australia, and Lungi Ngidi, a pacer from South Africa, have both returned.
𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐳 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤! 🔥
After those jaw-dropping teasers, it’s time for the full blockbuster show! 👊#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Tsnj7DIgYT
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2025
Bethell was included in both the ODI and T20I squads for England’s latest announcement of their teams for the next white-ball home series against the West Indies. The ODIs begin on May 29, which raises questions about his availability for the IPL playoffs. Since Salt has only been included in the T20I squad, the Bengaluru team will get an opportunity to use him before he leaves.
Salt’s aggressive starts at the top make his comeback crucial for RCB.
The Englishman might return to his usual level of performance following a brief rest due to illness. Livingstone was formerly a consistent player in the middle order for England, but his bad play has cost him a spot in both squads. Nonetheless, this omission may allow him to play the rest of the 2025 Indian Premier League.
Cricket Australia (CA) made the notable decision to support players who choose not to participate and not to require them to do so. Even though Josh Hazlewood is part of Australia’s team for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, he is reportedly going to join RCB. Ahead of the WTC final in England beginning on June 11, South African players are anticipated to leave India by May 25 due to national service. Ngidi may leave RCB prior to the playoffs as a result.
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