Tim David boost for RCB as they look to seal playoffs spot

Tim David, one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) key finishers this season, has rejoined the squad in Bengaluru along with big-hitting allrounder Romario Shepherd and Lungi Ngidi. The franchise also confirmed the return of Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season.

Bethell will be available for just two matches and is expected to return to England after RCB's home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23, having been named in England's white-ball squads for the West Indies series. In that case, Bethell will miss RCB's last league game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Salt, however, is available through to the end of the tournament, which now concludes on June 3. Salt is only part of England's T20I squad against West Indies, with the series starting on June 6 in Durham.

The extent of Shepherd's availability remains uncertain. The 30-year-old allrounder, who smashed an unbeaten 14-ball 53 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been named in West Indies' ODI squads for both the Ireland (May 21-25) and England (starting May 29) series - the latter clashing with the start of the IPL playoffs.

Ngidi's availability also remains in question. He was named in South Africa's squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's starting June 11 earlier this week. The WTC final-bound South Africa players are likely to leave the IPL by May 25.

The only overseas player RCB are still awaiting is fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood is managing a minor shoulder niggle, and the franchise is awaiting a fitness update from Cricket Australia (CA). His injury is not considered serious as he's been named in Australia's squad for the WTC final at Lord's starting June 11.

RCB are primed for the playoffs, having registered eight wins in 11 matches. They need just one more win to confirm their place in the final four.

RCB resume their campaign on Saturday at home against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), whom they beat during the earlier exchange in Kolkata. They finish their league stages with an away fixture against LSG on May 27.