Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are at the top of IPL 2025 points table with 16 points from 11 games with a positive net run rate of +0.482. They need only one more victory from their last three games against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to seal their playoff berth.
With their existing shape and accommodating schedule, RCB are playoff-bound and fighting for a top-two finish too, which will provide them an extra boost at the knockout phase.
International Call-Ups Cut Plans Short
Even with such a strong standing, RCB have a creeping concern foreign player availability. With international responsibilities calling, several of their integral foreign players would be leaving the team just as the tournament peaking.
Romario Shepherd will join the West Indies team ODI series against England.
England’s Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt are also set to leave for national duty.
All these players have played significant roles for RCB throughout the season, providing explosive batting punch and variety to the team. Their absence might compel a re-shuffle in the playing XI during the key matches.
Hazlewood’s Absence A Major Blow
Perhaps the greatest disappointment for RCB is the likely absence of Josh Hazlewood, who is set to miss the IPL playoffs to get ready for the World Test Championship (WTC) final with Australia. Hazlewood’s controlled pace and pressure-hailing ability have been at the heart of RCB’s bowling success.
Depth To Be Tested
With a few of the core players likely to be missing, RCB’s depth of resources will be put to test. Though the Indian players have impressed, the loss of the big overseas stars might impact team balance and momentum. With the final stage approaching, RCB needs to adjust rapidly in order to remain in the title hunt.
