IPL Playoffs Heat Up as Key Players Return

South African cricketers, including Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada, rejoin IPL teams despite looming World Test Championship final against Australia.

South African pacer Lungi Ngidi has rejoined the Indian Premier League's final phase, and several fellow countrymen are expected to follow suit. This decision might impact their preparation for the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia, scheduled from June 11 to 15 at Lord's.

The IPL's revised schedule has the league concluding on June 3, which might pose a challenge for South African players. Cricket South Africa requires its World Test Championship-bound players to return by May 26, allowing for a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6 before heading to London.

Notable South African players participating in the IPL include Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who recently played crucial roles in securing their team's spot in the World Test Championship final. With the demanding schedule, managing IPL commitments and Test preparations will be crucial for these players.

South Africa's 15-member squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia features eight players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. These players include:

IPL Players:  

Mumbai Indians:

• Corbin Bosch
•  Ryan Rickelto    

Lucknow Super Giants:

•  Aiden Markram

    

SunRisers Hyderabad:

• Wiaan Mulder

    

Punjab Kings:

• Marco Jansen

    

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

• Lungi Ngidi

    

Gujarat Titans:

•  Kagiso Rabada

    

Delhi Capitals:

• Tristan Stubbs

Given the IPL final's rescheduling to June 3, the South African players will have a tight turnaround before assembling in Arundel on May 31. They'll play a four-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3-6, which will help them acclimate to English conditions and finalize team combinations. After the warm-up match, the squad will travel to London on June 7, preparing for the WTC final against Australia at Lord's from June 11-15.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced the return of several players, including Lungi Ngidi, with a social media video. The franchise captioned it “Back at base and locked in!”

Other South African players, such as Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals) and Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants), are also expected to rejoin their IPL teams. Both players are part of South Africa's World Test Championship final squad.

Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants didn't immediately confirm the return of Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram, respectively. However, a Punjab Kings official confirmed that Marco Jansen is set to rejoin the team.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are chasing their first IPL title, have been bolstered by the return of English players Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Phil Salt, in addition to Lungi Ngidi.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been reinforced with the addition of Australian player Tim David and West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd, ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. Lungi Ngidi is also set to rejoin the team.

Meanwhile, Jos Buttler will rejoin Gujarat Titans but plans to skip the playoffs if they qualify. His priority will be England's limited-overs series against the West Indies, starting May 29. Gujarat Titans, currently topping the table, has signed Kusal Mendis as Buttler's replacement, who'll join after the last league game.

Lungi Ngidi latest story!

- Hes coming home to RCB pic.twitter.com/dyEVBC1CId

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) May 13, 2025

It's worth noting that some key players will be leaving the IPL soon. Eight South African players, including Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants), and Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), will depart by May 27 to prepare for the World Test Championship final against Australia from June 11-15.

It appears there's some confusion regarding the injuries and replacements. To clarify:

Punjab Kings and Lockie

• Ferguson: Lockie Ferguson is actually ruled out due to a foot injury, not a hamstring injury, and Kyle Jamieson has been named as his replacement in the New Zealand squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, not directly in the IPL team. Ferguson is a part of the Punjab Kings for IPL 2025.
• Lucknow Super Giants and Mayank Yadav: New Zealand fast bowler William O'Rourke has indeed joined Lucknow Super Giants as an injury replacement for Mayank Yadav, who is out for the rest of the season with a back injury.

Punjab Kings' Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a foot injury. Kyle Jamieson will replace him in the New Zealand squad.

Lucknow Super Giants has signed New Zealand fast bowler William O'Rourke as a replacement for Mayank Yadav, who is out for the rest of the IPL 2025 season with a back injury.

Here are some fitting titles and search descriptions:

*Titles:*

1. "IPL 2025: South African Players Return Amidst WTC Final Preparations"

2. "World Test Championship Looms: South African Players Rejoin IPL Tea