RCB in trouble? Padikkal ruled out, Hazlewood & others injured

The high-flying Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a golden opportunity to lift their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 trophy. However, as the tournament heads into its business end, the RCB camp has been hit by injuries and player unavailability due to national duties.

With 8 wins and 3 losses in 11 games, the Rajat Patidar-led side currently sits in second place on the points table. Still, some key players may miss the playoffs due to fitness concerns and international commitments. Here's a look at the players whose participation in the playoffs remains uncertain.

Devdutt Padikkal

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RCB's No. 3 batter has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a hamstring injury. He had a strong season, scoring 247 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.61—his best in any IPL campaign. In response, the team has quickly brought in Mayank Agarwal as a replacement for the rest of the tournament.

Josh Hazelwood

🏟️ pic.twitter.com/VIz4rUnOWn

— Josh Hazlewood (@HOFFHazlewood) May 7, 2025

During the clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), it was revealed that the pacer was not part of the squad. It was later confirmed that he suffered a shoulder niggle. His absence was felt on the field, as Chennai managed to surpass the 200-run mark. Fortunately for RCB, they held their nerve and secured a narrow 2-run victory.

Rajat Patidar

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RCB skipper Rajat Patidar was seen wearing a hand bandage after injuring his finger during the IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The injury occurred when he attempted to stop a powerful shot from Ravindra Jadeja.

Phil Salt

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Against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Jacob Bethell had to open alongside Virat Kohli after Phil Salt did not recover from his viral fever. The new opening duo gave RCB a solid start, but the team had to fight hard to secure a narrow 2-run victory. RCB will next face Lucknow Super Giants on May 9 and it will be to see if Salt is fit to play. 

Romario Shephard

Brute power! 💪⚡

In the blink of an eye, 𝑹𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐 blasted his way into the record books! 📜#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/yqczudVm3O

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 6, 2025

Known as the 'Black Dragon,' the finisher delivered a stunning 53 off just 14 balls, including 4 boundaries and 6 sixes, against CSK. However, despite not being injured, reports suggest he may leave the team due to his selection for the West Indies' upcoming ODI series in England and Ireland—a potential setback for RCB ahead of the Playoffs.

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