The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to resume on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squaring off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 58th match of the season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

While all Indian players are available for their respective franchises, several overseas stars will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament — a blow to some teams still hoping to salvage pride or points.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been hit particularly hard as English pacer Jofra Archer will not return to India to complete the season.

Archer, who has claimed 11 wickets from 12 matches this year with an economy rate of 9.47, has been a consistent performer for the side despite their overall struggles.

His absence, however, is not related to RR’s current position in the points table. The inaugural IPL champions have managed just three wins in 12 games and are languishing in ninth place.

According to media reports, the decision to leave out the England pacer from the remaining matches keeping Archer's long-term fitness in mind.

The Royals have decided to leave out Archer prioritising his fitness and not because they are out of reckoning for the playoffs.

In a further setback to RR, bowling coach Shane Bond will also not be returning to India for the final stretch of the season.

RR are scheduled to play Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

They will close their season with a clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 20, 2025, in Delhi — a neutral venue for both teams.

CSK, like RR, have also had a disappointing campaign with only three wins in 12 matches.

Both sides are already out of contention for the playoffs, and the loser of the RR-CSK fixture could finish at the bottom of the table.

CSK will also be without key overseas players Sam Curran and Jamie Overton.

Curran featured in five matches this season, while Overton made three appearances.

As the IPL 2025 enters its final leg, the focus now shifts to player availability and team pride, with several franchises battling to avoid finishing at the bottom of the heap.

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