Tim Seifert To Replace Jacob Bethell For Royal Challengers Bengaluru In IPL 2025 Play-Offs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a replacement for England’s Jacob Bethell for the upcoming IPL 2025 play-offs, the BCCI confirmed on Thursday.

Bethell, who has shown promise during the league stage, will leave the IPL on May 24 to join the England squad ahead of their home series against the West Indies. His final appearance for RCB will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23, with RCB’s last league match scheduled against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27.

Seifert, an experienced T20 campaigner with 1540 runs in 66 T20Is for New Zealand, will join RCB for Rs 2 crore. While his IPL appearances have been limited — just three matches, last seen in the 2022 edition — his aggressive style and wicketkeeping skills offer RCB a valuable boost ahead of the knockouts.

“Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed Tim Seifert as Jacob Bethell is set to leave from TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for England on May 24,” read the BCCI’s official statement.

RCB will hope Seifert’s inclusion fills the gap left by Bethell’s departure, especially with tough competition in the play-offs. The Kiwi batter is known for his quick scoring in the powerplay and flexibility in the middle order, which could prove crucial in pressure situations.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians have also confirmed their spots in the playoffs. However, Jos Buttler, who plays for Gujarat Titans, will also be unavailable due to his national commitments with England, adding to the list of international stars departing before the IPL playoffs.

With RCB gearing up for their crucial final league fixtures and a potential title run, Tim Seifert’s late addition could prove pivotal as they aim to end their long wait for a maiden IPL trophy.