Just days before the IPL 2025 playoffs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face a fresh headache — Tim David picked up an injury while fielding during their 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Although he did walk out to bat later, the sight of him hobbling off the field has surely caused concern in the RCB camp.
Injury at the Boundary
The incident occurred in the final over of SRH’s innings. Ishan Kishan sent a Yash Dayal full toss racing towards the fine leg boundary. David sprinted and pulled off a terrific save to keep it to just a single — but paid a price. He looked in visible discomfort immediately after and had to be substituted, with Jacob Bethell finishing the over in his place.
Despite the injury, David walked out to bat at No. 8 during RCB’s mammoth chase of 232. However, he could only manage 1 run off 5 balls before being dismissed in the 18th over, as RCB crumbled to 189 all out in 19.5 overs.
RCB’s Growing Injury Woes
The timing couldn’t be worse for RCB. Captain Rajat Patidar is still recovering from a hand injury — fit to bat, but not field. Phil Salt only just returned from a brief absence, and Devdutt Padikkal is already ruled out of the season, with Mayank Agarwal coming in as his replacement.
To make things trickier, Jacob Bethell, who filled in for David, will soon leave for national duty (ODIs vs West Indies). His replacement? New Zealand’s Tim Seifert, who’s expected to join before the playoffs.
A Bit of Good News?
There is one ray of hope: Josh Hazlewood. The Aussie quick is expected to return for the playoffs after recovering from a shoulder niggle back home. He hasn’t played since the IPL was briefly paused earlier this month.
RCB’s Playoff Scenario
The loss to SRH has pushed RCB down to third place, hurting their net run rate badly. Now, to finish in the top two (and get that crucial extra chance), they must win their final league game and hope other results fall in their favour.
Also Read : Marsh Climbs to Fourth on IPL 2025 Orange Cap List After Maiden Hundred
