Big boost for KKR ahead of RCB clash, star player to re-join squad amidst uncertainty around overseas players ahead of IPL 2025 resumption

South African star wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is scheduled to reunite with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad in Bengaluru on Thursday, May 15th. The reigning champions are gearing up for a crucial match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday, May 17, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a fixture they must win. The remaining contests of the IPL 2025 season will be held across six different venues from May 17 to June 3.

Following a week-long hiatus prompted by cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is poised to resume. As teams await definitive news regarding the return of their international players, members of the KKR contingent have begun arriving at their camp.

Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson has affirmed his availability for the final phase of the tournament. The three-time champions are also awaiting confirmation from off-spinner Moeen Ali regarding his return. According to ESPNcricinfo reports, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are among the initial group of overseas players slated to arrive in Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon.

The West Indies pair are reported to have taken a mid-morning flight from Dubai to Bengaluru. They had been accommodated in Dubai since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision to temporarily suspend the tournament. Their travel back to the Caribbean was intentionally delayed in anticipation of the tournament's resumption. Meanwhile, the Indian players from the KKR squad are scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru in phases, commencing on Wednesday evening. The team is expected to hold two practice sessions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday and Friday evenings as part of their preparations for the upcoming match against the home team, RCB.

Currently positioned sixth in the points table with five victories, the Ajinkya Rahane-led team faces a challenging path to playoff qualification. To keep themselves afloat in IPL 2025 playoff race, which looks bleak now, they must win their remaining matches against both RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).