Tim David, a crucial player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) this season, has rejoined the squad in Bengaluru alongside power-hitting all-rounder Romario Shepherd and Lungi Ngidi. RCB also confirmed that Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt are back for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
However, Bethell’s stay will be brief, with only availability for two matches. He will return to England after RCB’s home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 as he has been named in England’s white-ball squads for the West Indies series. This means he will miss RCB’s final league game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27. In contrast, Salt remains with the team till the tournament’s conclusion on June 3, as he is only part of England’s T20I squad against West Indies, with that series beginning on June 6 in Durham.
The duration of Shepherd’s stint with RCB is still up in the air. His impressive performance, including an unbeaten 14-ball 53 against Chennai Super Kings, has seen him selected for West Indies’ ODI squads for series against Ireland (May 21-25) and England, with the latter clashing with the start of the IPL playoffs. Ngidi’s availability is also uncertain as he has been named in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s, which begins on June 11. Those heading to the WTC final from the South African squad are likely to depart the IPL by May 25.
RCB are awaiting news on the fitness of Josh Hazlewood, the sole overseas player yet to return. The fast bowler is managing a minor shoulder niggle; however, it is not deemed serious since he has been named in Australia’s team for the WTC final. An update from Cricket Australia is anticipated.
RCB are in a strong standing for playoff qualification, with eight wins from 11 matches. They need just one more victory to cement their spot in the top four. They will resume their challenge on Saturday at home against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, whom they overcame in their previous encounter in Kolkata. Their final league match is against LSG on May 27.
Shashank Kishore, a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo, reported this news.
