IPL 2025 Playoffs: Key Overseas Players Set to Miss Final Matches
IPL 2025 Resumes After Brief Hiatus
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to continue on Saturday, May 17, following an eight-day pause. Currently, seven teams remain in contention for playoff spots: Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Challenges Ahead for Teams
With only two to three matches left for each team before the playoffs, many are facing difficulties with their overseas players. Various factors, including personal commitments, injuries, and international duties, are likely to hinder their chances of clinching the IPL 2025 title.
Overseas Stars Missing IPL 2025 Playoffs
Jos Buttler (GT)
Jos Buttler has been a standout performer for Gujarat Titans, amassing 500 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 71.43. However, he has been selected for England's ODI squad for the series against West Indies starting May 29, which means he will miss the playoffs.
Jacob Bethell (RCB)
Jacob Bethell stepped up for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the absence of Phil Salt, leading the innings in their last two matches. He is also part of England's ODI team and will return for two more league matches but will leave before the playoffs commence.
Will Jacks (MI)
Will Jacks has made a significant impact for Mumbai Indians, winning Player of the Match twice and scoring a fifty against Gujarat Titans. Like Buttler and Bethell, he will depart for the England-West Indies series and will not be available for the playoffs.
Ryan Rickelton (MI)
The South African wicketkeeper-batter has scored 336 runs in 12 matches for Mumbai Indians. He is expected to leave India before MI's final league match against Punjab Kings on May 26, as per the NOC from Cricket South Africa.
Corbin Bosch (MI)
Corbin Bosch, who made his debut on April 27, has performed well in his three matches. However, he is also part of South Africa's WTC 2025 final squad and will leave India by May 25, which could be a significant loss for MI if they reach the playoffs.
Kagiso Rabada (GT)
Kagiso Rabada, a key player for Gujarat Titans, has played two matches this season. He returned to South Africa due to personal issues but has rejoined the team. However, he is also included in the WTC final squad and will depart by May 25.
Gerald Coetzee (GT)
Gerald Coetzee is another GT player included in South Africa's WTC final squad. His participation in the IPL playoffs is uncertain unless CSA provides the necessary NOC.
Marco Jansen (PBKS)
Marco Jansen has been a consistent performer for Punjab Kings, playing all 11 games. However, he is also part of the WTC 2025 final squad and will miss the IPL playoffs.
Lungi Ngidi (RCB)
Lungi Ngidi made his debut for RCB on May 3, taking three wickets in his first match. Unfortunately, he is also part of the WTC 2025 final team and will not be available for the playoffs, which is a significant setback for RCB.
Tristan Stubbs (DC)
Tristan Stubbs, a middle-order batter for Delhi Capitals, will also miss the playoffs if DC qualifies, as he is included in the WTC final squad and will leave India by May 25.
Additionally, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc will not return for the remaining matches with Delhi Capitals, while Josh Hazlewood will miss the rest of IPL 2025 for RCB due to a shoulder injury. Jake Fraser-McGurk is also unavailable for Delhi Capitals due to personal reasons.
The absence of these key players poses a significant challenge for their respective teams as they approach the critical stages of IPL 2025.