Romario Shepherd has rejoined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the final leg of IPL 2025, returning to India alongside Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) stars Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, as well as KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo. The West Indies allrounder had briefly departed for international commitments but is back with RCB as they push for a playoff berth, currently sitting on 16 points from 11 matches.
However, Shepherd’s continued availability is uncertain beyond May 25, as he is part of West Indies' ODI squad for the upcoming series against Ireland (May 21–25) and England (starting May 29). Cricket West Indies (CWI) has yet to confirm whether England-bound players like Shepherd will be allowed to complete their IPL campaigns before joining the national side.
RCB also welcomed back Liam Livingstone, who has not been named in England’s white-ball squads and is therefore expected to be available for the rest of the tournament. Jacob Bethell, on the other hand, is only available for RCB’s next two fixtures — against KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad — before flying home ahead of the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Bethell, who made his IPL debut due to Phil Salt's illness, is part of England’s squad for the home series against West Indies and will miss the playoffs due to ECB NOC restrictions, which end on May 25.
Phil Salt has recovered and will be available for the rest of the tournament. He is only set to join England for the T20I series beginning June 6, after the IPL final on June 3.
RCB’s overseas roster faces further uncertainty, particularly with Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. Hazlewood was expected to miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury, and Ngidi, who debuted this season in Hazlewood’s absence, is part of South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Like other WTC-bound players, Ngidi is expected to leave the IPL by May 25, making him unavailable for RCB’s final league game and potentially the playoffs.
Despite these disruptions, RCB remain strong playoff contenders, bolstered by Shepherd’s explosive form — including a memorable 14-ball fifty against Chennai Super Kings. But with multiple players facing early departures due to international duties and unclear timelines, RCB's depth and adaptability will be tested in the crucial closing phase of the tournament.