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RCB's Tim Seifert In: Temporary Replacements Who Could Make IPL 2025 Debut In Playoffs

Debashis Sarangi

Tim Seifert and Jonny Bairstow [Source: @Cricadium, @_raja_kumar/X]Tim Seifert and Jonny Bairstow [Source: @Cricadium, @_raja_kumar/X]

The Indian Premier League is about to enter its business end, with four top-tier teams- RCB, MI, GT and PBKS set to clash in the playoffs. The IPL, which was paused midway due to the India-Pakistan border conflict, witnessed the signings of several temporary replacements, who joined the IPL teams as the alternatives of some first-choice players. 

Thus, as the knockout stage of the tournament is about to get underway, here are some temporary replacements who could play their first IPL 2025 match in the playoffs. 

RCB- Tim Seifert

Why could Tim Seifert make IPL 2025 debut in playoffs?

  • Swashbuckling New Zealand batter Tim Seifert recently joined the RCB camp for the playoffs. He replaced Jacob Bethell, who left the IPL and linked up with his English mates for the home series against West Indies. 
  • Despite Virat Kohli and Phil Salt running riot, RCB have some definite concerns in their batting lineup. While Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone have failed to live up to the expectations, Tim David's injury concern has further aggravated RCB's woes ahead of the playoffs. 
  • As they have Josh Hazlewood back in their squad, Blessing Muzarabani might not get a game in the playoffs. However, RCB's batting problems might prompt them to allot an overseas slot to Tim Seifert, considering the dynamism and versatility he brings to the table. 

MI - Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka

Why could Bairstow and Asalanka make IPL 2025 debuts in playoffs?

  • MI massively benefitted from Ryan Rickelton's sublime form, as the batter solidified their top order with a string of impressive outings. 
  • However, his departure to South Africa for the WTC final preparations has created a void, which will most likely be filled by Jonny Bairstow. The English batter had a dream run in the SA20 for JSK, scoring 232 runs at an average of 38.67 and a strike rate of 134.10. 
  • Meanwhile, Sri Lankan mainstay Charith Asalanka could also play his first IPL 2025 game in the playoffs, as he is expected to replace Will Jacks in the MI playing XI. 
  • Besides scoring valuable runs down the order, Asalanka can chip in with a few overs of right-arm off-spin, making him a like-for-like replacement for Will Jacks. On the contrary, Richard Gleeson is likely to warm the bench, with Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah and Deepak Chahar forming a dream fast-bowling trio. 

GT - Kusal Mendis

Why could Kusal Mendis make his IPL 2025 debut in playoffs?

  • Gujarat Titans roped in Sri Lankan batting maestro Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who left the IPL ahead of the West Indies home series. 
  • Talking about the Titans, the Shubman Gill-led outfit has a solid batting lineup, which will likely remain unchanged. Skipper Gill has formed a formidable opening pair with Sai Sudharsan, while Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan have ensured reliability. 
  • Thus, the only vacant slot that GT seem to have is the number three position of Buttler, which could now be filled by Kusal Mendis.