RCB’s Injury Woes; Could Lose 4 Key Players Face Before IPL 2025 Playoffs

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are having a strong season in IPL 2025. With 8 wins and just 3 losses from 11 matches, they are in second place on the points table. The team is very close to confirming their spot in the playoffs. However, some key players may miss the playoffs due to injuries and national duties. This could be a major concern for the Patidar-led squad.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's next match is against Lucknow Super Giants on 9 May. With several players either injured or unavailable, the team will have to dig deep. The coaching staff will need to make smart changes. Backup players will have to step up. Fans will hope that RCB’s strong form continues, and they hope to make it to the IPL 2025 final despite these setbacks. Here are some of the RCB players who might miss out on the playoffs.

1. Phil Salt

RCB opener Phil Salt missed the match against Chennai Super Kings on 3 May 2025. He had a viral fever and was advised to rest. In his place, Jacob Bethell opened the innings along with Virat Kohli. The pair gave a strong start to RCB. Though CSK gave a tough fight, RCB won the match by 2 runs. Salt’s health is being monitored, but his return for the upcoming matches is still uncertain.

Salt is a key part of RCB's team as he provides them with fast starts at the top. The opening partnership of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli has been key to RCB's success this season. Salt's ability to destroy bowling attacks at the top makes him devastating at the top. RCB will hope for him to recover soon.

2. Josh Hazlewood

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood also missed the CSK game, and Lungi Ngidi was preferred in his place. Hazlewood is suffering from a shoulder niggle. He has been a key bowler for RCB this season. His absence was felt as CSK scored more than 200 runs in the match. However, RCB still managed to win. The team hopes their ace pacer recovers soon. His fitness will be crucial for the playoffs.

Hazlewood has been exceptional in various phases of the game and has provided his team with crucial wickets at regular intervals. Currently, he is the third-highest wicket-taker of the season with 18 wickets in just 10 matches at an exceptional average of 17.27. The Australian is RCB's highest wicket-taker of the tournament so far.

3. Romario Shepherd

West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd played a destructive knock against CSK, smashing 53 runs off just 14 balls. His innings included 4 fours and 6 huge sixes. He turned the match around with his powerful hitting. Fans now call him the “Black Dragon” for his fiery performance.

However, RCB might miss his services for the playoffs. Reports claim that Shepherd may leave the team to join the West Indies squad. They are set to tour England and Ireland for an ODI series. If Shepherd leaves, RCB will lose a big match-winner. His absence would weaken both their batting and bowling attack. His ability to destroy bowling attacks at the death will be missed.

4. Rajat Patidar

RCB captain Rajat Patidar suffered a finger injury during the game against CSK. He hurt himself while trying to stop a powerful shot from Ravindra Jadeja. He was seen with a bandage on his hand after the match. Although the injury doesn’t seem too serious, his availability for the next match is in doubt. Losing the captain at this crucial time could impact team morale and planning.

Not only his captaincy, but Patidar's batting will also be missed if he doesn't get fit on time. His ability to play spin well in the middle overs makes him such a crucial player for RCB. He bats at a crucial No. 4 spot and is highly crucial for his team's success. He has also led the team brilliantly this season.

Devdutt Padikkal Out of IPL 2025

While all these players face a danger of missing some matches, Devdutt Padikkal is already ruled out of the entire season due to a hamstring injury. Padikkal was in good form this year. He scored 247 runs in 10 matches at an average of 27.44 and a strike rate of 150.60. This was a big improvement from his poor form last season.
His role was very important, as he was the only left-hander among a line-up of right-handers. To fill the gap, RCB has signed Mayank Agarwal as his replacement. Agarwal is the captain of Karnataka. He returns to RCB after playing for them from 2011 to 2013. He scored 492 runs in 35 matches during his earlier stint. He has been bought for INR 1 crore.
Can Royal Challengers Bengaluru overcome these challenges and lift their first IPL trophy? Only time will tell.