Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said the biggest loss will be for Mumbai Indians after players unavailability for IPL 2025 playoffs. Chopra noted that the South African duo of Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch won’t be available for the playoffs, if MI qualify for the last four. Both Rickelton and Bosch have been named in South Africa’s Test squad for the WTC Final against Australia.
Furthermore, Will Jacks will also not be available for the playoffs. It has been reported by ESPNCricinfo that Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson will replace Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton respectively for Mumbai Indians.
“I feel a little more about Mumbai because their two big players will be missing, and Will Jacks’ story is also not looking good. It seems like he and Jos Buttler will also definitely go. In my opinion, the biggest loss will be for Mumbai because they will lose Ryan Rickelton as an opener and Corbin Bosch, who they might have wanted to play in the playoff stage, if they reach there,” he said.
Chopra noted that missing the services of Kagiso Rabada might not be a huge issue for Gujarat Titans as the South African didn’t play consistently in IPL 2025.
“It’s a slight loss for Gujarat for sure because Kagiso Rabada is an important cog. However, it’s also true that he wasn’t there for most of the tournament, but when it’s combined with the other issues, it seems like there is a bit of a problem, although there is another news from the Gujarat camp that Kusal Mendis will replace Jos Buttler for the playoffs,” he observed.
On the other hand, Chopra noted that Tim David’s presence will make a huge difference for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“RCB are looking better because Romario Shepherd has come. Lungi Ngidi is also there, but he will leave. Tim David has come. That makes a huge difference because if Tim David was among the Australians who don’t want to return, then I was really, really worried,” he said.
IPL 2025 will resume on May 17.
