The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face difficult circumstances for the rest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, according to former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra. The 47-year-old noted that since the RCB is only one victory away from securing their spot in the playoffs, they may need to include England all-rounder Liam Livingstone in the starting lineup.
Josh Hazlewood is allegedly out for the Bengaluru-based team’s match against the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17 and the remainder of the season. If the squad makes it to the playoffs, Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi may also be unavailable due to national obligations, which Chopra believes will be detrimental to the Bengaluru-based club.
“RCB does not currently have Josh Hazlewood. Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, and Jacob Bethell will not be present. When they make it to the playoffs, they will be missing four players, therefore they won’t be present for the most important games. Phil Salt is available, so it’s okay if Jacob Bethell isn’t there,” he posted on his YouTube channel.
According to the former opening batsman, unless RCB finds replacements for their unavailable overseas players, they may have to add Livingstone and Nuwan Thushara to their starting lineup. Additionally, he said that the franchise might not suffer from Jacob Bethell’s absence because Phil Salt could be used in his place.
“Salt is a member of the T20 team as well, but the T20 series begins on June 6. Therefore, if RCB makes it to the final, he is accessible. But without Josh Hazlewood, and without Romario Shepherd and Lungi Ngidi, who was supposed to be his backup, you’ll have to start with Nuwan Thushara and Liam Livingstone in the starting lineup, unless you sign someone else,” the Agra native continued.
In the IPL 2025, Livingstone has only amassed 87 runs at an average of 17.40 in six innings. However, Thushara of Sri Lanka has not yet participated in a match this season.
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