Follow UsAfter an injury to Josh Hazlewood, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a new blow as England all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The all-rounder sustained a hamstring injury during the three-match ODI series against India, which could see him potentially miss the whole of the IPL. However, there’s a catch, as the replacement player’s base price could only be a maximum of INR 1.25 crore, eliminating top-tier players.
But even then, here are the 3 players RCB can pick as Bethell’s replacement:
In terms of options, no one comes as like-for-like as Dewald Brevis. The 21-year-old, who was once considered the heir to AB de Villiers, can walk in as a replacement for Bethell. Brevis had a stellar SA20 2025 season with winners MI Cape Town and has the past experience of playing at the IPL.
The right-hander smashed 291 runs in SA20 2025, averaging 48.50 while striking at 184.17, and is currently in form, with scores of 38, 44*, 9*, and 73* in his last four appearances. It is more fitting when you remember that he’s called ‘Baby AB’.
While it can be a unique name, Matthew Short can potentially be a good fix to RCB’s balance with his ability to bowl off-spin in the middle overs. Not just that, Short can bat anywhere in the top order and can also be slotted as a finisher, something that RCB can benefit from.
The all-rounder scored 236 runs, including a 109 for the Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat, in the recently-concluded BBL edition. Not to forget that Short has picked up 48 T20 wickets and has scored almost 3000 runs with 146.46 SR in the format.
Yet again, a utility player, Sikandar Raza would bring about the much-needed experience to RCB’s middle-order. The Zimbabwean is coming on the back of a stellar showing in the ILT20 final against Desert Vipers, smashing 38 off 19 under immense pressure.
Until last year, Raza was one of the hottest properties in franchise cricket, with experience all over the globe. His multi-dimensional ability and excellent fielding will make him tick all the right boxes.
