After a break of eight days, the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) is set to resume on Saturday, May 17. The tournament is entering its final phase and seven teams — Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants — are still in contention for a place in the playoffs.
However, as the race for the title intensifies, many teams are now struggling with the unavailability of key overseas players. Some of these players are pulling out due to international commitments, others are nursing injuries and a few are not returning to India due to personal reasons. This wave of absences is expected to significantly impact the teams’ chances of winning the trophy.
Among the most notable absentees is Jos Buttler from Gujarat Titans. The England batter who has scored 500 runs in 11 matches as GT’s number three, will not be available for the playoffs as he has been named in England’s ODI squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies starting May 29.
1. Jacob Bethell (RCB):
Jacob Bethell of Royal Challengers Bengaluru is in a similar position. After playing as an opener in RCB’s recent matches against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, Jacob Bethell has also been called up to England’s ODI squad. He is expected to play two more league matches for RCB before heading back home, which means he won’t be part of the playoff stage.
2. Will Jacks (MI):
Will Jacks, another England player, has been a key performer for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025, playing 11 matches and winning Player of the Match awards twice. He scored a half-century in his last game against Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium but will also be leaving for national duty, making him unavailable for the playoffs.
3. Ryan Rickelton (MI):
Mumbai Indians will also lose Ryan Rickelton, the South African wicketkeeper-batter who has been opening for them this season. Rickelton has scored 336 runs in 12 matches but is expected to exit before MI’s final league game against Punjab Kings in Jaipur on May 26, in line with the original No Objection Certificates issued by Cricket South Africa.
4. Corbin Bosch (MI):
Corbin Bosch, another South African who joined Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Lizaad Williams in March, made his debut on April 27 against Lucknow Super Giants. He has impressed in the three matches he has played so far but will also be heading home by May 25, as he has been included in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final.
5. Kagiso Rabada (GT):
Gujarat Titans are also set to lose two key South African fast bowlers. Kagiso Rabada, who played the early matches for GT, had returned to South Africa due to personal reasons, which were later linked to a provisional suspension over recreational drug use. He rejoined the team last week before the league break but is now confirmed to be in the WTC 2025 final squad and will leave India by May 25.
6. Gerald Coetzee (GT):
Gerald Coetzee, another important pacer for GT, is also named in the WTC final squad and may miss the playoffs if Cricket South Africa does not extend NOCs for WTC-bound players.
7. Marco Jansen (PBKS):
Punjab Kings will have to manage without Marco Jansen in the playoffs. The 25 years old South African all-rounder has played all 11 matches so far for PBKS and has been instrumental in several of their wins. Like many of his compatriots, he is also in South Africa’s WTC 2025 final squad and will leave before the playoff stage.
8. Lungi Ngidi (RCB):
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Lungi Ngidi will also not be available for the playoffs. He made his IPL 2025 debut on May 3 against Chennai Super Kings, where he took three wickets for 30 runs. However, his inclusion in the WTC final squad means he will return home early.
9. Tristan Stubbs (DC):
Delhi Capitals could also lose Tristan Stubbs if they make it to the playoffs. Stubbs was named in South Africa’s 15-member squad for the WTC 2025 final and is expected to leave India by May 25, right before the playoffs begin.
Adding to these exits, it has also been reported that Mitchell Starc will not return to India for the rest of the season with Delhi Capitals due to personal reasons. Josh Hazlewood will also miss the remainder of the season for RCB because of a shoulder injury. Another blow for Delhi Capitals is the absence of Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has already made himself unavailable for personal reasons.
As the IPL 2025 enters its most crucial phase, the absence of these international players could reshape team strategies and playoff outcomes. Fans and teams alike will be hoping their squads can adapt quickly to these last-minute setbacks.
