Teams are facing a massive challenge arising because of the unavailability of several overseas stars due to international commitments for the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) playoffs.
With national duties, especially England's white-ball series against the West Indies and South Africa’s red-ball preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final, clashing with the final stretch of the tournament, multiple players have had to make early exits.Â
The IPL has allowed teams to bring temporary replacements for unavailable players.
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Full List of Missing Overseas Players and Replacements in IPL 2025 PlayoffsÂ
Here is a detailed list of the players missing from each playoff team and their respective replacements:
- Punjab KingsÂ
Players Missing: Marco JansenÂ
Replacement: None
Marco Jansen will miss the IPL 2025 playoffs as he joined South Africa's squad for the World Test Championship 2023-25 final scheduled between Australia and South Africa. Jansen grabbed 16 wickets in 14 matches for PBKS this season. His absence could affect the team's balance, but the management seems confident in their existing overseas pace options.Â
- Royal Challengers BengaluruÂ
Players Missing: Jacob Bethell, Lungi NgidiÂ
Replacements: Blessing Muzarabani, Tim SeifertÂ
Lungi Ngidi has also joined the South Africa contingent ahead of the WTC 2023-25 final. He played as a back-up to Josh Hazlewood and as the Aussie is expected to be fit for the playoffs, Ngidi’s absence might not matter much. Jacob Bethell left due to England’s ODI series against the West Indies. RCB have called up their like-to-like replacements in the form of Blessing Muzarabani and Tim Seifert.
- Gujarat TitansÂ
Players Missing: Jos Buttler, Kagiso RabadaÂ
Replacements: Kusal MendisÂ
Jos Buttler’s absence is the biggest blow of all, especially given his stunning form. Before he left to join the England squad for the ODI series against the West Indies, he scored 538 runs at an average of 59.78 and a strike-rate of 163.03 in IPL 2025. GT have relied heavily on his starts. Kusal Mendis comes in with international pedigree, but no IPL experience. Kagiso Rabada’s exit due to the WTC 2023-25 final is significant too, though GT have enough pace options to plug that gap.
- Mumbai IndiansÂ
Players Missing: Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch
Replacements: Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, Richard Gleeson
Ryan Rickelton's dual role as an opener and wicket-keeper has been instrumental for MI. Jonny Bairstow brings experience but has not been in recent IPL action. Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, adds flexibility to the batting line-up, while Richard Gleeson provides additional bowling option, but will most likely sit on the bench. The trio aims to compensate for the outgoing players' contributions. MI’s adaptability will be tested with Rickelton and Jacks missing.
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