IPL 2025: Romario Shepherd, Liam Livingstone rejoin RCB squad in Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a timely boost with the return of key overseas players Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone for the rescheduled last leg of IPL 2025. Shepherd landed in India alongside fellow West Indians Andre Russell and Sunil Narine of KKR, with team mentor Dwayne Bravo also spotted with the trio. The group's arrival was shared on Bravo's Instagram story, offering fans a glimpse into the Caribbean stars' return to IPL duties.advertisementShepherd has had limited time with the bat this season, but his lone appearance left an indelible mark. The West Indies all-rounder smashed an explosive 53 off just 14 deliveries against the Chennai Super Kings - the fastest fifty by an RCB player in IPL history. His blitzkrieg included 4 boundaries and 6 towering sixes, instantly turning him into a cult hero among RCB fans.However, Shepherd's availability for the rest of the tournament remains uncertain. He has been named in the West Indies squad for the upcoming ODI series against England starting May 29 - the same day the IPL playoffs begin. Cricket West Indies is yet to officially confirm whether England-bound players like Shepherd, Russell and Narine will be permitted to complete their IPL commitments before flying home.
England's Liam Livingstone has also linked up with the RCB squad. The English all-rounder, known for his explosive middle-order hitting and part-time spin, was left out of England's white-ball squads for the West Indies series, making him available for the business end of RCB's campaign.advertisementYoung England batter Jacob Bethell, who has already rejoined the RCB squad, will be available for two more matches - against KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad - before flying back to England ahead of the third fixture against Lucknow Super Giants. Bethell, who is in England's ODI plans, will miss the playoffs if RCB advance.Crucially for RCB, several of their overseas stars are free from international duties till the IPL final on June 3. England opener Phil Salt and Australian finisher Tim David, along with Livingstone, are all available for the remainder of the tournament.However, there is some uncertainty regarding fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi, who are expected to join their respective national teams ahead of the World Test Championship final beginning June 11. Should they be unavailable for the knockout phase, Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara may be called upon to step up.RCB are well-placed to secure a playoff berth with 16 points from 11 games in the IPL 2025 points table. The competition for the top four spots remains intense with Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and LSG still in contention. Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune InTrending Reel
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