Majority of International Players Set to Rejoin for IPL 2025
Most overseas players are set to return for IPL 2025 when the tournament resumes on May 17, following a week-long suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Australian captain Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head are among those confirmed to participate. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Cummins leads, finds themselves out of the playoff race with only two matches left in their schedule.
The teams best positioned for the remaining matches are the Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders, all of whom will be at full strength. The Mumbai Indians have resumed training at Wankhede Stadium, with captain Rohit Sharma and key overseas players in attendance. Meanwhile, uncertainties loom for the Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings regarding the availability of several players.
Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders Ready for Action
The Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders are gearing up for the resumption of IPL 2025, with all teams expected to be at full strength. The Mumbai Indians had their first training session since the suspension was lifted, with captain Rohit Sharma leading the charge. Key overseas players, including Mitchell Santner, Bevon Jacobs, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, remained with the team during the hiatus. The remaining overseas contingent, including England’s Will Jacks and wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, is expected to arrive soon. The Mumbai Indians will face the Delhi Capitals on May 21, allowing ample time to finalize their lineup.
The Gujarat Titans are also in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs. They are welcoming back key players like former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler and South African pacer Gerald Coetzee, who are set to arrive shortly. The Titans had retained several players, including Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, and Sherfane Rutherford, who remained in India during the break.
Concerns for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings
The Rajasthan Royals face challenges as their bowling coach, Shane Bond, is unlikely to return for the remainder of the tournament. Additionally, the availability of England pacer Jofra Archer, who has been selected for the ODI series against West Indies starting May 29, remains uncertain. West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer’s status is also in question, creating further concerns for the Royals as they aim for playoff contention.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will miss Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood, who is injured, and Mitchell Starc, both of whom will not participate in the remainder of the tournament. The Punjab Kings are grappling with uncertainties regarding the return of Australian players Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, while South African all-rounder Marco Jansen is still in Dubai. Inglis has also been included in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship final.
Delhi Contends for Playoff Hosting Duties
In other developments, Delhi is in the running to host the four IPL 2025 playoff matches, alongside Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering this option due to favorable weather conditions in these cities. The final, originally slated for Kolkata, was moved due to forecasts of heavy rain around June 3. Current predictions indicate clear weather for Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, making them viable locations for the playoff matches.
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