One of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) most powerful hitters, Tim David has made his return to their squad ahead of the resumption of IPL 2025. Alongside David, West Indies batter Romario Shepherd and South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi have also returned to India. Not only this, the English trio of Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt has also rejoined the RCB squad for the last leg of IPL 2025.
However, some of these players aren't expected to stay with RCB until the IPL 2025 final. Bethell is likely to be available for only two matches for Bengaluru-based franchise as he has been named in England's squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies which is set to star from May 29.
Ngidi has also been named in South Africa's squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia which is set to take place at Lord's on June 11. The final-bound South African contingent is likely to depart from IPL by May 25.
Shepherd's availability for the final is also not confirmed as he has been named in West Indies' ODI squad for both the Ireland (starting from May 21) and England series.
Some overseas players likely to stay with RCB until the final
On the other hand, both David and Salt are likely to remain with the RCB until the final which will be played on June 3. The former hasn't been named in Australia's squad for the WTC final, while the latter is a part of England's squad for only the T20I series against West Indies which is set to begin from June 6.
Livingstone is also likely to remain with RCB until the final as he wasn't named in either the ODI or T20I squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies. Meanwhile, reportedly Australia's pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is also likely to re-join RCB squad before the IPL 2025 resumes.
RCB's performance in IPL 2025
RCB are among the favourites to qualify for the playoffs as they currently sit on the second spot on the IPL 2025 points table. Rajat Patidar's brigade has accumulated 16 points from 11 matches and are only behind Gujarat Titans due to an inferior net run-rate.
RCB will resume their IPL 2025 campaign on May 17 and will face-off against Kolkata Knight Riders at M..Chinnaswamy stadium. Following this, they will be locking horns against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 before wrapping up the league stage with a battle against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket stadium on May 27.