Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a big lift as star England batter Phil Salt has rejoined the team ahead of the IPL 2025 restart. The tournament, which was paused for a week, is set to resume on Saturday, May 17. Along with Salt, English players Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone have also returned, giving RCB their full English group back just in time.
English Trio Back in Action
𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐳 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤! 🔥
After those jaw-dropping teasers, it’s time for the full blockbuster show! 👊#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Tsnj7DIgYT
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2025
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Phil Salt has been an important player for RCB this season. In nine matches, he has scored 239 runs with an average of 26.55 and a strong strike rate of 168.30. He also has two half-centuries to his name. Salt’s aggressive style at the top of the order has helped RCB build quick starts.
During his short absence, Jacob Bethell stepped in and made an immediate impact. The young left-hander scored a quick fifty against Chennai Super Kings while opening with Virat Kohli. His performance gave RCB the edge in that close match.
Now with both Salt and Bethell available, RCB has a solid opening pair to choose from. Liam Livingstone’s return adds more power to the middle order, giving the team more batting depth.
Other Overseas Players Also Return
Morphers activated. Our 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 are back. 🙌
Right on time and ready to strike! ⚡👊 pic.twitter.com/ExyTQBYshD
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2025
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It’s not just the English players who are back. Australian finisher Tim David and West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd have also rejoined the squad. Tim David has played key cameos this season, while Shepherd’s explosive knock against CSK helped RCB seal an important win.
These returns mean RCB will now have most of their overseas players back as they push for the playoffs. It is also expected that Josh Hazlewood, who missed the last game due to a minor injury, may return soon.
Big Match Coming Up for RCB
RCB will restart their IPL 2025 campaign with a clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday, May 17, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The team is currently second on the points table with 16 points from 11 games. They have won all of their last four matches and are looking strong.
A win in their next game will take them into the playoffs. With three league games left, RCB are also aiming to finish in the top two, which gives a second chance in the playoffs.
Why This Update Is Great for RCB Fans
- Full Strength Squad: With almost all their overseas stars back, RCB now has more options and balance in the team.
- Momentum Matters: They are on a four-match winning streak. The return of key players will help them keep the momentum.
- Playoff Race Heats Up: One more win guarantees a playoff spot. Winning two out of the last three may even give them a top-two finish.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood Expected To Rejoin RCB
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