Romario Shepherd has made his way back to India to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the concluding phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He’s not alone—fellow West Indies players Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and mentor Dwayne Bravo from Kolkata Knight Riders have also returned.
Cricket West Indies has yet to provide clarity on whether Shepherd and his compatriots bound for England’s ODI series, starting 29th May, will stay in India for the IPL playoffs. The series coincides with the IPL playoffs, leaving players and teams in a state of uncertainty.
Liam Livingstone of England has also linked up with RCB, while his teammate Jacob Bethell has already rejoined the squad. Bethell, included in England’s white-ball squads against West Indies, will be available for RCB’s next two matches before heading back to England. Livingstone, having been left out of both the ODI and T20I sides for England, remains with RCB for now.
RCB currently stands strong with 16 points from 11 matches, comfortably on course for the playoffs. The situation, however, is less certain for Bethell, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) only granting availability until May 25, previously marked as the IPL final date.
Josh Hazlewood’s return remains unclear due to his shoulder issue. Similarly, Lungi Ngidi, who replaced Hazlewood earlier in the season, is expected to depart for South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) final preparations, possibly missing RCB’s last league fixture.
Phil Salt, recovering from illness, is anticipated to be available for the remainder of IPL 2025 as his involvement in England’s T20I series against West Indies begins in June, post-IPL final.
RCB’s strategy this season has been lauded, with experts like Aakash Chopra praising their astute player selections. As Bangalore heads towards the playoffs, the team continues to adapt to player availability challenges, a common theme as international fixtures loom.
