RCB may have to play IPL 2025 without 7 major players

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to restart on May 17 after a halt due to the escalating tension between India and Pakistan. As both of the countries agreed to a ceasefire, the cricket carnival is set to feature again on the field where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as the first match after the gap. RCB has produced some of their best performances in IPL 2025 and put a step into the playoffs that need some more points to confirm their ticket to the next round. With an in-form Virat Kohli, RCB fans are now more confident than before for their maiden IPL triumph. Before the upcoming match against KKR, the Royals camp is reportedly under pressure for injury concerns and availability of players. 

As per reports, their captain, Rajat Patidar, is likely to miss a few matches, while Josh Hazelwood and Devdutt Padikkal have already been ruled out of the tournament. The Red and Black brigade has already roped in Mayank Agarwal to replace Padikkal, who was on form. The left-handed batter has played 10 IPL 2025 matches and scored 247 with an average of 27.44, including a 61-run innings. Captain Rajat Patidar's fitness issue is another major concern for the Bengaluru-based team. Along with his leadership qualities, Patidar contributed well with the bat, scoring 239 runs so far in IPL 2025. The latest report suggests that the middle-order batter can miss a few games. 

Another big blow for RCB is the unavailability of Josh Hazelwood. The Aussie pacer was on fire with RCB and probably will not return for the next part of the IPL 2025. In 10 matches he took 18 wickets; the economy rate was 8.44. Cricket Australia named Hazelwood in the squad for the WTC final against South Africa, taking place from 11–15 June at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. 

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Can RCB able to hold their momentum?

Apart from Padikkal, Patidar, and Hazelwood, there are 4 more players who are uncertain about IPL 2025. England will host West Indies for a 6-match series (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is) starting on May 29, where Phil Salt, Liam Livingston, and Jacob Bethell can represent England, and Romario Shepherd can be named to find a place in the West Indies squad. 

BCCI had no option but to pause IPL 2025 as Indian and Pakistani armed forces started to exchange heat. Tension was at its peak when the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match at Dharamshala was called off at the midway. Air raid sirens in the nearby towns of Dharamshala were activated. For security concerns, all spectators were evacuated from the stadium. Later, BCCI announced not to continue IPL 2025, at least for a week.