Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in New Zealand’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a replacement for England’s Jacob Bethell, who is set to leave the IPL 2025 after RCB’s final league clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23. Seifert, a seasoned T20 campaigner, adds significant firepower to RCB’s squad ahead of a potentially decisive phase in their campaign.
The 29-year-old has played 66 T20Is for New Zealand and brings with him over 5,800 runs in T20 cricket at a strike rate of 133.07. His last IPL stint came with Delhi Capitals in 2022, and before that, he represented Kolkata Knight Riders. Seifert is currently plying his trade with Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League.
His arrival in the RCB camp will depend on the PSL playoffs outcome, though he is expected to be available no later than May 26. RCB secured his services for ₹2 crore.
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“New Zealand’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter, Tim Seifert, has been named as RCB’s temporary replacement for Jacob Bethell,” the franchise confirmed, citing Bethell’s return to England for national duty.
🔊 𝑶𝑭𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑳 𝑨𝑵𝑵𝑶𝑼𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 🔊
New Zealand’s explosive wicketkeeper batter, Tim Seifert, has been named as RCB’s temporary replacement for Jacob Bethell, who returns to England for national duties after our SRH match. 🙌
Welcome to #ನಮ್ಮRCB, Bam Bam! 🤩… pic.twitter.com/4TuFJdUHpY
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 22, 2025
This is RCB’s second mid-season signing in recent days, following the inclusion of Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, who came in for Lungi Ngidi. The South African pacer is set to join his national squad for the World Test Championship Final in England.
Bethell, who impressed with a gritty 55 against Chennai Super Kings, made just two appearances for RCB. But with his England call-up for the upcoming West Indies series, RCB had to act quickly.
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Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over Australian spearhead Josh Hazlewood’s participation, as he remains in Brisbane preparing for the Test final. RCB will face Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 in a do-or-die encounter to keep their playoff hopes alive.
