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How The Absence Of Jacob Bethell And Lungi Ngidi Could Haunt RCB's Title Winning Chances

Rajgeeta Yadav

RCB's Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi [Source: AP Photos]RCB's Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi [Source: AP Photos]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had a great season in IPL 2025 so far and have officially made it to the playoffs. RCB are just one win away from finishing in the top two. If they beat Lucknow Super Giants in their next match, they’ll earn a direct shot at reaching the final. 

But just as the playoffs approach, RCB will be missing two of their squad members, Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi. While they weren’t first-choice starters, but the question is - will their absence haunt RCB when the pressure peaks in the playoffs?

Will RCB Miss Jacob Bethell In Playoffs?

Jacob Bethell, a young English batter, has left the RCB squad to join England’s national team for their upcoming series. Bethell only played two matches this season but made a solid impact, especially with a 55-run knock against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He got his chance when RCB’s regular opener Phil Salt was unavailable due to illness.

Now that Salt is back and in good form, Bethell’s absence isn’t expected to hurt RCB much. Salt has scored 239 runs in 9 matches with a strike rate of 168.31, making him one of the key players at the top of the order. He’s been excellent during the powerplay overs and is likely to continue opening the innings.

Phil Salt's Performance In IPL 2025

Runs
301
Inns10
Average30.1
Strike rate172.99

To replace Bethell in the squad, RCB have brought in New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert. He had a decent run in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL), scoring 242 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 148.4. Seifert will be available to play from May 24 and could be a handy backup if needed.  

Meanwhile, Bethell’s absence could leave a gap if the team needs a left-handed batter to adjust the top order later in the tournament, especially against sides with strong left-arm spinners. 

It’s important to maintain variety in the batting lineup, particularly since there are no left-handed batters in the top six.

What about Lungi Ngidi?

Lungi Ngidi has also left the RCB camp to join the South Africa team for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. In his short IPL stint this season, Ngidi picked up 4 wickets in just 2 games. However, he was more of a backup option and not a regular starter.

The good news for RCB is that their lead pacer, Josh Hazlewood, is back. Hazlewood had been out due to a shoulder injury and had also returned to Australia briefly due to tensions between India and Pakistan. But he’s now fully fit and rejoined the RCB squad after completing rehab.

Hazlewood has been RCB’s top bowler this season, with 18 wickets in 10 matches. With him back in the lineup, RCB’s bowling attack looks strong again. 

Josh Hazlewood's Performance In IPL 2025

Wkts
18
Inns10
Economy8.44
Strike rate12

Notably, RCB roped in Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani as a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi for the playoffs. Muzarabani is yet in an IPL match but he has played 70 T20Is for his national team and has picked up 78 wickets. With his inclusion, the team gets a reserve option in case they need. Meanwhile, in a must-win playoff game, having someone like Ngidi on the bench could’ve made a big difference.

Why Did Bethell And Ngidi's presence matter for RCB?

Well, Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi presence will not actually matter unless another injury happens. Both Bethell and Ngidi were backup options. Their replacements, Seifert and Muzarabani, are just there as cover. 

But if key players like Phil Salt or Hazlewood get injured again, RCB may be forced to play someone who hasn’t played a single IPL game this season and doing that in a high-pressure playoff match can be risky.

So far, RCB has good momentum and solid first-choice players. As long as everyone stays fit, the team is in a strong position. While Bethell and Ngidi will be missed to some extent, RCB look well-prepared to handle the playoffs without them.