The ongoing IPL 2024 season has witnessed significant developments as players make pivotal decisions regarding their participation. Jos Buttler from Rajasthan Royals and Will Jacks & Reece Topley from Royal Challengers Bangalore joined Livingstone in returning to England.

Departure of Will Jacks, and Reece Topley

Jos Buttler from Rajasthan Royals and Will Jacks and Reece Topley from Royal Challengers Bangalore will join Livingstone in returning to England. These players have departed the IPL to join the England squad ahead of the T20I series against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on May 22. The exodus of key players underscores the international commitments prioritized by players during the IPL season.

Jacksy and Toppers are heading back home for international duties and we wish them all the very best. ✈

You were incredible in the camp and on the field this IPL. See you soon, lads. 🤗#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/qxyT5rqvU1

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 13, 2024

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Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Setback

The departure of Will Jacks and Reece Topley deals a blow to the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, particularly during a crucial tournament phase where their playoff aspirations hang in the balance. Jacks, in particular, played a pivotal role in bolstering RCB’s recent winning streak with his stellar batting performances. However, Topley’s inconsistent bowling performances led to his exclusion from the playing group after a series of expensive spells in the IPL 2024.

Punjab Kings’ Liam Livingstone’s Return to England for Knee Recuperation

Punjab Kings’ all-rounder Liam Livingstone has opted to depart from the IPL midway to address a knee injury before the forthcoming T20 World Cup. In an Instagram post, Livingstone expressed gratitude to the Punjab Kings fans while acknowledging the disappointing season for both himself and the team. Livingstone cherished his IPL experience despite the setback, emphasizing his love for the game.

Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran and Phil Salt will also leave India this week, with England players expected back in the country by this weekend. The squad will meet up in Leeds ahead of England’s first T20I against Pakistan at Headingley on May 22.

RCB’s Playoffs Qualification Scenario

With their fifth win on the trot, RCB are making a late push for a playoff spot and it now boils down to their final league game against CSK – who are also fighting for the playoff spot. A loss will bring curtains to the RCB campaign, but a win will keep them alive. But for that, RCB would need to beat CSK by more than 18 runs (if they score 200) to get their NRR over CSK’s. SRH and LSG could still surpass RCB, but by the time RCB face CSK on Saturday, LSG would have played both matches. If SRH and LSG lose their remaining games and do not go beyond 14 points and RCB beat CSK by the said margin, both RCB and CSK can go through to top 4.