• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

IPL 2025: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received a huge boost as a few of their foreign players, like Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone, have returned to India to play in the remaining matches. Shepherd reached India along with other West Indies players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, and KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo. Bravo took to his official Instagram account and posted a story, where he showed their return to India for the IPL.

Shepherd couldn't do much with the bat this year, but his one performance did leave everyone impressed. He scored a match-winning knock of 53 runs off just 14 balls during their clash against CSK and thus smashed the quickest half-century by an RCB batter in the history of this tournament. He had smashed four fours and six sixes and thus became a fan's favourite.

But his availability for the remainder of the matches is quite uncertain. He is a part of the West Indies team, which would be facing England for an ODI series, which would begin from May 29, and that's the same day when the IPL 2025 playoffs start. Cricket West Indies hasn't confirmed yet whether the players who are part of the England series, like Shepherd and Russell, would be allowed to play in the IPL playoffs.

Also Read: WWE Legend Dutch Mantell Reveals R-Truth Might Face John Cena In His Last Match Before Retirement

England's star all-rounder Liam Livingstone has also joined the Bengaluru-based franchise. Livingstone, who is known for being an aggressive middle-order batter, was dropped from England's white-ball team for the series against the West Indies, and he thus would play for RCB till the very end.

Youngster Jacob Bethell too has joined RCB and will be seen in action in the upcoming two matches against KKR and SRH before going back to England, and will miss the clash against LSG. Bethell, who is part of England's ODI side, would be missing the playoffs if RCB qualifies.

For RCB, a lot of their foreign players are not bound by international duties and will be available till the summit clash, which will be held on June 3. Opener Phil Salt, Tim David, and Livingstone are all available for the rest of the matches.

But there is some uncertainty around the availability of pacers Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi, who would be joining their national side for the WTC summit clash, which would be held next month. If they are unavailable for the last few matches, then Sri Lanka's Nuwan Thusara would be replacing them.

The Rajat Patidar-led side is alive in the race to the playoffs as they have scored 16 points after playing in 11 matches. The race to the playoffs has intensified with teams like Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and LSG still alive.