Key Foreign Stars from RCB MI & PBKS to Miss Playoffs
Introduction
As the IPL 2025 league stage nears its conclusion, the excitement around the playoffs is peaking. However, a major roadblock looms large for several franchises — the unavailability of key overseas players due to international commitments. The clash with the ICC World Test Championship Final and crucial ODI series has forced top players to prioritize national duty. Teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) face significant setbacks. This unexpected development could drastically alter team strategies, Dream11 picks, and potentially the fate of the tournament.
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1. Ryan Rickelton’s Departure to Dent MI’s Top Order
South Africa’s in-form batter Ryan Rickelton has been a solid contributor at the top for Mumbai Indians this season. However, the stylish left-hander is expected to leave the IPL just before the playoffs to join the South African squad for the WTC 2025 Final. His absence could create instability in MI’s opening combination, which has been one of their consistent strengths this season.
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2. Duanne Bosch’s Absence Weakens MI’s Pace Stocks
Duanne Bosch, another emerging South African cricketer, has played a valuable role as a death-over specialist for MI. Known for his tight lines and slower variations, Bosch has provided crucial breakthroughs. Unfortunately, like Rickelton, he is also expected to be called up for South Africa’s WTC preparations. This dual blow could significantly impact MI’s bowling plans in the knockout rounds.
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3. Marco Jansen’s All-Round Value to Be Missed by PBKS
Punjab Kings will face a major void with the likely departure of Marco Jansen, their star all-rounder. The tall left-arm pacer adds depth to both batting and bowling. His ability to pick up early wickets and contribute handy runs in the lower order makes him a vital asset. Jansen’s exit for the WTC Final leaves a tough gap for PBKS to fill.
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4. Josh Hazlewood’s Exit a Big Loss for RCB
RCB’s bowling attack could suffer a huge setback with the unavailability of veteran Aussie seamer Josh Hazlewood. The pacer, known for his line and length consistency, is expected to be part of Australia’s squad for the WTC Final. His experience in pressure situations and ability to control the game in powerplay and death overs will be sorely missed.
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5. Lungi Ngidi’s Departure Leaves RCB with Thin Bowling Options
South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, another reliable option in RCB’s pace department, is also likely to leave for national duty. Ngidi has been effective as a middle-overs enforcer and his departure will force RCB to rethink their bowling combinations, possibly relying more on domestic options or less experienced overseas backups.
6. Romario Shepherd’s Power-Hitting Exit a Setback for RCB
The West Indies’ powerful all-rounder Romario Shepherd has emerged as a finisher for RCB this season. However, with the Windies scheduled to play ODIs against Ireland and England during the IPL playoffs, Shepherd is expected to join his national side. Losing a player of his hitting prowess and bowling utility will dent RCB’s lower-order balance significantly.
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7. Jacob Bethell’s Middle-Order Absence Creates a Tactical Void
Young English talent Jacob Bethell has shown glimpses of his potential in RCB colors, especially in stabilizing the middle order. His ability to play spin and rotate strike made him a valuable cog in the lineup. But he, too, is set to leave the squad for international commitments. This weakens RCB’s batting depth heading into high-pressure playoff matches.
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8. Phil Salt’s Absence to Disrupt RCB’s Powerplay Firepower
Arguably one of the biggest blows for RCB is the likely exit of England’s explosive opener Phil Salt. The aggressive right-hander has been instrumental in giving the team quick starts. With England’s ODI series clashing with the IPL playoffs, Salt’s absence will force RCB to shuffle their top-order combination, likely slowing their scoring rate early on.
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9. Liam Livingstone’s Exit a Double Blow for Punjab Kings
Liam Livingstone is expected to return to England for the upcoming ODI series, leaving Punjab Kings without their top finisher and part-time spin bowling option. Livingstone has often been the difference-maker in tight games, both with bat and ball. His exit not only affects PBKS’s batting strength in the final overs but also reduces spin options on slow playoff pitches.
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10. Strategic Shake-Up Inevitable in IPL 2025 Playoffs
With as many as ten high-impact overseas players likely to miss the playoffs due to national commitments, IPL 2025 is set for a strategic upheaval. Franchises will need to rely more on domestic talent and uncapped Indian players to deliver under pressure. Team compositions could be drastically different from the league stages, and coaching staff will have to rework match-ups, roles, and strategies. Moreover, fantasy cricket users must stay alert and adapt their Dream11 combinations based on confirmed squad changes.
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Conclusion
The clash between the IPL and the international calendar has once again brought forward the complexities of modern-day cricket scheduling. While national duty remains a priority, the timing of these international fixtures has placed IPL franchises in a tight spot, just when the tournament reaches its most critical phase. Teams like RCB, MI, and PBKS, already dealing with on-field inconsistencies, now face an added challenge of filling the massive void left by their overseas stars. The upcoming playoffs promise drama, surprises, and perhaps, the emergence of new heroes in the absence of established names.
