RCB Could Miss This Overseas Player in the IPL 2025 Playoffs

As of writing this, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is currently sitting at the top of the IPL 2025 points table. The side needs just one more win to confirm their place in the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, RCB could miss a key overseas player for the playoffs.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru is almost guaranteed of a place in the IPL 2025 playoffs. The Rajat Patidar-led side has played 11 matches in which they have won 8 matches and lost 3 and have 16 points.

But before the final phase of the competition even begins, RCB has received a major blow as one of their key overseas player, Romario Shepherd, could miss the playoffs.

This is certainly going to be a major blow for the Royal Challengers, especially after he played a cameo of 53 runs off 14 balls vs CSK, making his place in the hearts of the RCB fans.

Actually, Romario Shepherd has been included in the West Indies Men’s cricket team’s squad for their upcoming tour of Ireland, where they will play 3 ODIs and as many T20Is. Shepherd has been included in the ODI squad announced for the Caribbean side.

The ODI series is set to commence on May 21. Meanwhile, the IPL 2025 playoffs commence on 20th May. In such case, even if RCB qualify for qualifier 1 on May 20, Shepherd is unlikely to play in this match as he would have to depart even before 20th May to join the Caribbean squad for training.

Something similar happened last season as well, when the eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders’ Phil Salt had to miss the playoffs after he was included in the England squad for the International series.

Rajasthan Royals also faced a similar scenario last year with Jos Buttler having to leave the Royals camp before the playoffs.

Romario Shepherd played a match-winning cameo vs CSK

Romario Shepherd, who found his place in the RCB playing XI in place of Liam Livingstone, impressed all the fans with 53 53-run cameo off 14 balls vs CSK that eventually helped RCB beat CSK.

When Royal Challengers Bengaluru were struggling to give a proper finish to what was an wonderful inning, that’s when Shepherd stepped-up and scored 53 runs cameo that eventually helped RCB to 213 runs on the board.

Later, after a scintillating final over by Yash Dayal, Royal Challengers Bengaluru eventually won the match by 1 run, adding further woes to a struggling CSK side.