IPL 2025 returns: How teams like RCB, GT, MI and more could line up without overseas stars
With limited overseas options, IPL 2025 teams may be forced to reshuffle their lineups. Here's a look at which overseas stars could be missing from the IPL 2025 teams still in contention for the playoffs.
The week-long suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan has been lifted, and the tournament is all set to resume on May 17. However, one of the biggest challenges for franchises will be the availability of overseas players. Several foreign players might not return for various reasons〞including national duty (such as the World Test Championship Final), injuries, or security concerns.
Can IPL teams replace players leaving for international duty?
Yes, but with restrictions. Teams are allowed to sign replacements for players unavailable due to injury or national duty, but only up to their 12th league match.
#TATAIPL is back in action on 17th May ?
〞 IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 14, 2025
With the playoff race heating up, which fixture are you most excited for? ?
Check out the full schedule ? pic.twitter.com/OoRlYEpAUb
With limited overseas options, teams may be forced to reshuffle their lineups. Here's a look at which overseas stars could be missing from the IPL 2025 teams still in contention for the playoffs:
Gujarat Titans (GT) 每 16 Points
Best possible finish: 22 points
Remaining matches: vs DC, vs LSG, vs CSK
Foreign players who could miss:
Jos Buttler 每 Unclear: Part of England＊s ODI squad; return during the playoffs is doubtful.
Kagiso Rabada 每 Unclear: Named in South Africa＊s WTC Final squad; warm-up games overlap with IPL playoffs.
Rashid Khan 每 Available: No upcoming international fixtures for Afghanistan.
POV: It＊s been a ?????? training session! ? pic.twitter.com/TAhfWzJYqF
〞 Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 14, 2025
Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans need just one win to secure a spot in the playoffs. With three matches remaining, they are well-positioned not only to qualify but also to contend for a Top 2 finish.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 每 16 Points
Best possible finish: 22 points
Remaining matches: vs KKR, vs SRH, vs LSG
Foreign players who could miss:
Josh Hazlewood 每 Unavailable: Shoulder issue and part of Australia's WTC Final squad.
Phil Salt 每 Available: Only in England's T20I squad; expected to stay until the end of the IPL.
Jacob Bethell 每 Unavailable: Selected in England's ODI and T20I squads.
Romario Shepherd 每 Unavailable: Part of West Indies' ODI squad.
It's business as usual for our think tank. ?
〞 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 14, 2025
Vision reset for the challenges ahead! ??#PlayBold #????RCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/pTDdszhcJy
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB need just one more win to secure a spot in the Top 4. With two home games remaining, they could even push for a top-two finish.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) 每 15 Points
Best possible finish: 21 points
Remaining matches: vs RR, vs DC, vs MI
Foreign players who could miss:
Marcus Stoinis 每 Available: Expected to stay on after the ceasefire.
Marco Jansen 每 Unclear: Named in South Africa＊s WTC Final squad.
Reunited and ready to dominate! ? pic.twitter.com/1SxihhedUh
〞 Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 14, 2025
PBKS need to win two of their remaining three games to secure what would be their first playoff berth in over a decade.
Mumbai Indians (MI) 每 14 Points
Best possible finish: 18 points
Remaining matches: vs GT, vs PBKS, vs DC
Foreign players who could miss:
Ryan Rickelton 每 Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC Final squad
Corbin Bosch 每 Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC Final squad
Will Jacks 每 Unavailable: Selected in England's ODI squad
?????? ??????? ?????? ? ?????????? ??????? ???????? ??#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/2EThR4BPyM
〞 Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 14, 2025
After a slow start to the season, Hardik Pandya's team had begun to build momentum. However, their recent defeat has put them on the back foot. With only three games left, another loss could end their hopes of making the playoffs.
Delhi Capitals (DC) 每 13 Points
Best possible finish: 19 points
Remaining matches: vs GT, vs MI, vs PBKS
Foreign players who could miss:
Mitchell Starc 每 Unavailable: Part of Australia's WTC squad; also cited personal and security concerns
Tristan Stubbs 每 Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC squad
Faf du Plessis 每 Available: Not currently part of South Africa's national setup
A little bit of KD is all we need ??? pic.twitter.com/WiOw3KDy5Y
〞 Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 14, 2025
Led by Axar Patel, they must win all three of their remaining matches to surpass the 18-point playoff cutoff. Any slip-up could derail their hopes of qualifying for the Playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) 每 11 Points
Best possible finish: 15 points
Remaining matches: vs CSK, vs RCB, vs SRH
Foreign players who could miss:
Spencer Johnson 每 Unclear: Not currently in Australia's WTC squad but could be called up as cover
Timed to perfection ft. ?????? ?? ? pic.twitter.com/vay1vLQqoj
〞 KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 14, 2025
KKR's playoff hopes are slim〞they must win all remaining games, hope PBKS lose all three, and DC beat PBKS but lose their other matches.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) 每 10 Points
Best possible finish: 16 points
Remaining matches: vs SRH, vs GT, vs RCB
Foreign players who could miss:
Nicholas Pooran 每 Available: Not in West Indies' ODI squad
Aiden Markram 每 Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC squad
Dewald Brevis 每 Available: Not in South Africa＊s WTC squad
Juyal＊s got JL hooked ? pic.twitter.com/fqNPQH2UGP
〞 Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 14, 2025
Rishabh Pant's team must win all their remaining matches to stay in the playoff race and will need favourable results from other teams to keep their hopes alive.
Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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