RCB gets a new wicketkeeper, Sifrat will join after the PSL ends
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named New Zealand’s wicketkeeper batsman Tim Seifert as a temporary replacement for England’s Jacob Bethell. Currently Seifert is playing for Karachi Kings in the PSL and his arrival in India will depend on his team’s progress in the tournament.
According to the IPL press release, Tim Seifert will be available from May 24. But if Karachi Kings reach the PSL final scheduled to be held in Lahore on May 25, Seifert could join RCB in Lucknow on May 26 when the team plays its final league match against Lucknow Super Giants.
Tim Seifert has been a part of IPL before, but his exposure was limited. He played for Delhi Capitals (2022) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2021). Now opening with David Warner for Karachi Kings, he has scored 226 runs in 9 innings with a strike rate of 145.80, his best score so far being 47.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Players to Watch in IPL Playoffs
Bethell left a strong impact, and Hazlewood-Ngidi may also be unavailable
Jacob Bethell will play his last match for RCB against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, after which he will leave for England. This match was originally scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, but due to weather conditions it has been shifted to Lucknow.
Bethell played a powerful innings of 33-ball 55 runs in his very first match against Chennai Super Kings. But apart from him, RCB also faces other availability concerns – Josh Hazlewood is currently in rehab in Brisbane due to a shoulder injury, and his return to the IPL is still uncertain. The final update from Cricket Australia is yet to be received.
Similarly, Lungi Ngidi is also preparing for the WTC Final and will not be available for RCB in the playoffs. In his place, the team has already signed Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani as a short-term replacement.
RCB have won 8 out of 11 matches so far, and are in the race for a top-two finish. Their next match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, followed by the final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, where Tim Seifert could be included in the team.
Read More
ALSO READ: IPL Playoffs 2025: Will Mumbai Indians Be Able To Make It To The Top 2?
