Udaipur, May 16, 2025: There are still 13 matches left in the league stage of this IPL season. According to ESPNcricinfo, eight South African players who have been selected for the World Test Championship final are currently playing in the IPL. However, the South African Cricket Board has not extended their leave, meaning these players will have to return home before the playoffs.

Gujarat Titans: Buttler and Rabada to Leave Early

England’s Jos Buttler and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada have joined Gujarat Titans, but Buttler will leave before the playoffs. He won’t even be available for the match against Chennai Super Kings on May 25, as he will join England’s ODI series against the West Indies. Gujarat has already confirmed his replacement — Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis, who was signed for ₹75 lakh for the playoffs. Rabada will also leave before the playoffs as he is part of South Africa’s Test team. Caribbean all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford will also not return.

RCB: Some Return, But Hazlewood Missing

Royal Challengers Bangalore have welcomed back three English players — Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell — all of whom will be available for the match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd has also returned. However, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood will not be available for the rest of the season.

Delhi Capitals: Starc and Stubbs Unavailable

Delhi Capitals signed Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman for ₹6 crore. He has been replaced by Australian opener Jack Fraser-McGurk. But not just Fraser-McGurk — Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is also not returning. South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs is busy with Test Championship duties. Faf du Plessis, although not part of the Test squad, will also not return to India.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Powell and Moeen Out

KKR confirmed that West Indies’ Rovman Powell is undergoing treatment and won’t return. Moeen Ali is also unavailable due to a viral infection in his family. However, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have returned to join the squad.

Punjab Kings: Aussies' Return Uncertain

The return of Australians Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis is still unclear. Punjab has already added Mitchell Wayne and Xavier Bartlett to the squad. Wayne recently played for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL. South African Marco Jansen will also not be available for the playoffs. In his place, Punjab has signed Kyle Jamieson from New Zealand. He replaces Lockie Ferguson.

Lucknow Super Giants: Markram to Leave, O’Rourke Comes In

Aiden Markram will leave early due to Test Championship preparations. Lucknow has signed New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke for ₹3 crore as a replacement for the injured Mayank Yadav.

Mumbai Indians: Rickelton and Bosch to Miss Playoffs

Ryan Rickelton, who partnered well with Rohit Sharma as an opener, will miss the rest of the tournament as he returns for South Africa’s Test preparation. The same goes for Corbin Bosch. England’s Will Jacks will also leave before the playoffs. Jonny Bairstow will join the team if Mumbai qualifies for the top four.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Cummins and Head Return

Though Sunrisers Hyderabad is out of the playoff race, Pat Cummins and Travis Head will return to India before the match against Lucknow on April 19. South African batter Heinrich Klaasen will also rejoin the team.

Rajasthan Royals: Archer Not Returning

Rajasthan Royals have two matches left in the league. English pacer Jofra Archer will not return for those matches.

Chennai Super Kings: Curran and Overton Out

Chennai Super Kings also have two matches left, but they have no chance of making the playoffs. That could be why England’s Sam Curran and Jamie Overton are not returning. Cricbuzz reported that CSK will not bring in any replacements. However, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, and Devon Conway will return to India. Rachin Ravindra's return is still uncertain.