Follow UsLiam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell have rejoined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the restart of the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Both had returned after the tournament was paused post-escalation in cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. However, Bethell will be flying back to England after playing the next two RCB fixtures against Kolkata and Hyderabad, as he’s part of England's white ball squads that will face the West Indies at home.
Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd, who had flown to Dubai after the tournament was suspended along with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, has already returned to India and would be available for the entire next leg of the IPL. Although he is still waiting for confirmation from Cricket West Indies (CWI) regarding his participation in the series against England, which starts on May 29. In case the RCB manage to reach the playoffs and CWI wishes for him to travel to England, things could turn dire for RCB.
The Bengaluru side have already no clarity on the return of Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi.
Rajasthan Royals’ pacer Jofra Archer, Chennai Super Kings pacer Jamie Overton, and all-rounder Sam Curran will not be returning to the IPL.
While Archer is missing the next two RR games because of a thumb injury, the other two, along with Bethell, Will Jacks and Jos Buttler, will not be available from May 29 as they have been named in the England white ball squads for the West Indies series. If their teams reach the playoffs, they won’t be able to participate.
The IPL knockouts begin on May 29, with the final on June 3.