IPL 2025 Restart-Full Schedule and Key Updates

IPL 2025 resumed after the break and fans can't wait to spot their favorite players on the field again. The resumption is accompanied with some changes as some players have come back while others have been replaced for one reason or another. Teams were authorized to introduce temporary replacements given the special conditions of the resumption. In this blog we will have a glance at those players back and those replaced.

Gujarat Titans have retained Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada in their team. Buttler, who earlier captained England, will remain with them only till the final league match against Chennai Super Kings on May 25. If Gujarat Titans qualify for the playoffs, they have retained the services of Sri Lankan player Kusal Mendis for INR 75 lakh. With this, the team is assured to be competitive at the critical phases of the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also witnessed some major player returns. English players Phil Salt Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell arrived in Bengaluru before their home game against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17. Apart from this, West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd has also returned to the team. Shepherd played an important part in RCB's home win against CSK and his return is likely to make the team stronger in the next matches.

Delhi Capitals too have made some adjustments to their side. Mustafizur Rahman has been signed as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk. But he is not yet in India as he awaits a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Right now, Rahman is with the national team in the UAE for a T20I series. There is still doubt over Mitchell Starc's return who is likely or not likely to be included in the team. While the team mentor Kevin Pietersen has returned and is prepared to guide the players.

Kolkata Knight Riders have assured that the majority of their team has arrived in Bengaluru to play against RCB. Nevertheless, Rovman Powell and Moeen Ali will miss out on playing because of medical issues. Powell is receiving a procedure while Moeen and his family are recuperating from a viral illness. In spite of these, the remainder of the team is completely ready for the upcoming matches.

Punjab Kings have suffered a blow as Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. To replace him the team has retained Kyle Jamieson for INR 2 crore. Mitch Owen and Xavier Bartlett have also been added to the team. But the availability of Marcus Stoinis Aaron Hardie and Jos Inglis is doubtful. There is some hope that they may return to the team after their maiden game on May 18 in Jaipur.

Lucknow Super Giants have also made a shift by recruiting New Zealand pacer William O'Rourke on INR 3 crore as a replacement for the injured Mayank Yadav. Yadav injured his back that kept him out of the season. The switch is expected to add more force to LSG's bowling as they prepare to face the rest of the matches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have confirmed the addition of Australian players Travis Head and Pat Cummins to join the team in Lucknow straight away prior to their match with LSG on May 19. Their entry is likely to enhance the team's performance especially considering their expertise and experience.

Rajasthan Royals, however, have confirmed that Jofra Archer will not come back to feature in the remaining two games of the season. The move could affect their bowling power as Archer is a pacer who can maintain accuracy. Chennai Super Kings who are already out of contention for the tournament have chosen not to bring in a replacement for Sam Curran and Jamie Overton. Both these players will not be returning to the team for the rest of the games.

With the IPL 2025 going on, fans are following their favorite teams closely. The comeback of major players and the return of new ones increase the thrill of the games to come. Teams are adjusting to this and wanting to give their best with the tournament going on.