RCB in trouble ahead in the playoffs? 4 Key Players are Likely to leave the team

Major boost for RCB as Hazlewood confirms his return in India

Several reports suggest and sources close to Josh Hazlewood confirms that Hazlewood is returning to India for the rest of the IPL 2025. Now it is seen as a big relief for RCB as Hazlewood was the best bowler for RCB and he has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches. Be it in the front or in the middle or in the death overs, Hazlewood is bowling exceptionally well and he is in the form of his life. IPL was suspended last week due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and like most of the foreign players, Australian players have also returned to their country. When the BCCI revised the IPL schedule after the ceasefire, there were serious doubts over Australian players' availability, especially Hazlewood as he had injured his shoulder and missed RCB’s last match due to this reason. Hazlewood was selected in Australia’s 2025 WTC Final squad as he would recover at that time. But now when Hazlewood confirms his availability for the rest of the IPL, RCB fans can dream of winning their maiden IPL title again. 

Rajat Patidar’s Injury Issue

Rajat Patidar, currently the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was spotted with a bandage on his hand after sustaining an injury to his finger while trying to stop a shot from Ravindra Jadeja during the IPL 2025 clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Patidar got injured while facing Suyash Sharma in the 11th over. During his absence, star cricketer Virat Kohli took over as the temporary captain. Patidar might miss RCB’s next match against Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) but is likely to be fit for the remaining fixtures.

Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood Missed Recent Matches Due to Health Issues

Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood Missed Recent Matches due to several health problems. Salt was sidelined due to fever, while Hazlewood missed the last match because of a minor shoulder injury. Jacob Bethell opened the batting with Virat Kohli and performed well. Salt has batted in nine matches, scoring 239 runs with an average of 26.55 and a strike rate of 168.30, including two half-centuries. He has been particularly strong in the powerplay, scoring 212 runs at a strike rate of 175.20 and hitting a boundary every 3.1 balls.

Hazlewood, who has played a key role in RCB’s success, has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His bowling in the final overs has been especially important, and the team is hoping he gets well soon.

Romario Shepherd Likely to Miss Playoffs for RCB

Roamario Shepherd has been picked in the West Indies’ 15-man ODI squad for their upcoming tour of England and Ireland. He has earned the title of “Black Dragon”, who delivered a thrilling performance against CSK, scoring 53 runs off just 14 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and 6 sixes. His powerful hitting rattled the opposition and played a crucial role in the team’s victory.

However, as per the reports, Shepherd is expected to leave RCB as he has been picked for the upcoming England and Ireland tour. If he does major head out, it would be a major blow for RCB. The Royal Challengers might hope to win two or more matches that could help them secure a top-two finish. This would give them two opportunities to qualify for the final.