Romario Shepherd has returned to India and rejoined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the final leg of IPL 2025. He travelled alongside Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Dwayne Bravo from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp.
However, Shepherd’s availability for the playoffs remains uncertain. He is part of West Indies’ ODI squad for series against Ireland (May 21–25) and England (starting May 29). Cricket West Indies has not yet confirmed if players selected for the England tour can stay back in India for the remainder of the IPL.
Meanwhile, Liam Livingstone has also rejoined RCB. Unlike Jacob Bethell, who is part of England’s white-ball squads, Livingstone has been dropped from both ODI and T20I sides, making him available for the full IPL stretch. Bethell, however, will only be available for RCB’s next two games—against KKR and SRH—before heading back to England. He’ll miss RCB’s final league game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
RCB, currently on 16 points from 11 matches, are in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs. But availability concerns remain.
- Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to return due to a shoulder issue.
- Lungi Ngidi, who debuted for RCB against CSK on May 3, is part of South Africa’s WTC final squad and may leave before RCB’s final group match.
On a positive note, Phil Salt is set to be available for the remainder of IPL 2025. He is only in England’s T20I squad for the West Indies series, which begins June 6, three days after the new IPL final date.
Also Read : PBKS Await Stoinis and Inglis’ Decision as IPL 2025 Resumes on May 17
