NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is back on track after a temporary halt due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. As the league resumes this Saturday, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi has rejoined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp—along with other overseas players—but only for a short stay.
The IPL final, originally scheduled for May 25, has now been shifted to June 3, giving teams little time with their international stars before they depart for national duties. South Africa, gearing up for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s from June 11 to 15, has included eight IPL players in its squad.
Limited Time for South African Stars
South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that their IPL-bound players are expected to leave their franchises by May 26 to prepare for the WTC final. The national team will also play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6 before heading to London.
Among those expected to leave are Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals), Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants), and Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings). While some franchises have yet to publicly confirm their exits, a Punjab Kings official verified Jansen’s schedule.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, officially welcomed back Ngidi through a social media post, saying, “Back at base and locked in!” — signaling the team’s push for a maiden IPL title.
Reinforcements and Replacements
RCB has further bolstered its squad with the return of England’s Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Phil Salt. Joining them are Tim David from Australia and Romario Shepherd of the West Indies, both of whom have also rejoined the squad in time for Saturday’s crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Jos Buttler, England’s star batter, has returned to the Gujarat Titans, but will miss the playoffs if his team qualifies. England begins a limited-overs series against the West Indies on May 29, prompting Buttler’s early exit. In his place, Gujarat has brought in Kusal Mendis as a potential backup.
Injury-related replacements are also reshaping squads. Kyle Jamieson replaces Lockie Ferguson at Punjab Kings, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Lucknow Super Giants have signed William O’Rourke from New Zealand as a replacement for Mayank Yadav, who is sidelined with a back injury for the rest of the season.
What’s Ahead
With international commitments looming and reshuffled squads, the remainder of IPL 2025 promises unpredictable twists and high-stakes matchups. While franchises scramble to find replacements, the league moves full speed toward the playoffs, beginning just days after the group stage concludes.
