The business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is always a thrilling affair, but for franchises, the playoffs often bring a significant challenge: the departure of key overseas players for national duties. IPL 2025 is no exception, with several prominent international stars set to miss the crucial knockout stages due to clashes with the international cricket calendar, particularly the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final and various white-ball series.
Here’s a detailed look at top overseas players from Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Gujarat Titans (GT) who are expected to miss the IPL 2025 playoffs, and the impact their absence could have on their respective teams.
IPL 2025 Playoffs Schedule Overview
The IPL 2025 playoffs are scheduled from May 29 to June 3, 2025.
- Qualifier 1: May 29 (Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Mullanpur)
- Eliminator: May 30 (Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians in Mullanpur)
- Qualifier 2: June 1 (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator in Ahmedabad)
- Final: June 3 (Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad)
This period directly clashes with the preparation and commencement of the ICC World Test Championship Final (starting June 11), requiring South African players to report back by May 26. Additionally, England’s white-ball series against West Indies, beginning May 29, will impact the availability of English players.
Players Missing the Playoffs
Gujarat Titans (GT): Jos Buttler
Player: Jos Buttler (England)
Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
Impact: Jos Buttler, currently with Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025, is a significant loss for the franchise. A prolific top-order batter, Buttler has been instrumental in GT’s campaign, scoring over 500 runs this season. His ability to accelerate and anchor an innings makes him an irreplaceable asset. GT will deeply feel his absence in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs.
Reason for Absence: Buttler will depart to join the England squad for their white-ball series against the West Indies, which commences on May 29, coinciding with the IPL playoffs. GT has reportedly signed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Mendis as a replacement.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Marco Jansen
Player: Marco Jansen (South Africa) Role: Left-arm pacer, all-rounder Impact: Marco Jansen has been a crucial bowler for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, consistently picking up wickets and providing control. His left-arm pace and ability to generate bounce add a unique dimension to the PBKS bowling attack. He has also contributed with handy runs lower down the order. Losing a genuine all-rounder of his caliber will put immense pressure on PBKS’s bowling resources and team balance during the knockout stage.
Reason for Absence: As a member of the South African squad for the ICC World Test Championship Final, Jansen is required to report back to national duty by May 26 to prepare for the prestigious event starting June 11. PBKS has reportedly signed New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson as a temporary replacement.
Mumbai Indians (MI):
Players: Will Jacks (England), Ryan Rickelton (South Africa), Corbin Bosch (South Africa)
Roles: Jacks (All-rounder/Batter), Rickelton (Wicketkeeper-batter/Opener), Bosch (All-rounder)
Impact: Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to be hit hard by multiple overseas player departures.
- Will Jacks: The English all-rounder has been a vital part of MI’s setup, contributing with both bat and ball. His impactful batting at number three and useful off-spin will be sorely missed, particularly given his recent form. MI have reportedly signed Jonny Bairstow as his replacement.
- Ryan Rickelton: In his maiden IPL season, Rickelton has performed commendably as an opener, providing quick starts for MI. His aggressive style and ability to score consistent runs will be a significant void at the top. MI have reportedly secured Richard Gleeson as a replacement.
- Corbin Bosch: While not a consistent starter, Bosch provides valuable all-round depth to the squad. His absence further depletes MI’s reserve options. MI have reportedly signed Charith Asalanka as his replacement.
Reasons for Absence:
- Will Jacks: Will depart to join the England squad for their white-ball series against the West Indies.
- Ryan Rickelton & Corbin Bosch: Both South African players are part of the WTC Final squad and must report back for national duty by May 26.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Players: Lungi Ngidi (South Africa), Jacob Bethell (England)
Roles: Ngidi (Fast bowler), Bethell (Batter)
Impact: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will also face challenges due to player availability.
- Lungi Ngidi: While not a regular in the starting XI, Ngidi provides pace and experience to RCB’s bowling attack. His absence reduces their fast-bowling depth, especially if injuries or performance issues arise. RCB has reportedly brought in Blessing Muzarabani as a temporary replacement.
- Jacob Bethell: The young English batter was primarily a backup option. While his direct impact on the starting XI might be limited, his absence reduces batting cover. RCB has reportedly signed Tim Seifert as a replacement.
Reasons for Absence:
- Lungi Ngidi: Required to report back for the South Africa squad’s WTC Final preparations by May 26.
- Jacob Bethell: Will leave to join the England squad for their white-ball series against the West Indies.
The IPL 2025 playoffs will test the depth and adaptability of MI, RCB, PBKS, and GT. The departure of star overseas players like Jos Buttler and Marco Jansen, along with other key contributors, will force teams to reshuffle their playing XIs and rely on their domestic talent and recently signed replacements. The franchises that can best manage these crucial absences and maintain their team balance will undoubtedly have an edge in their pursuit of the IPL title.
