After Blessing Muzarbani replaced Lungi Ngidi, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have opted for another overseas player's replacement. With Jacob Bethell heading for England duty ahead of their limited-overs series against England, Tim Seifert will replace the all-rounder for the playoffs that begin from May 29, Thursday.
Bethell, who has played only two matches, hammered a half-century against the Super Kings, compiling 67 runs in 2 matches at 33.50. With England's limited-overs series at home starting against the West Indies on May 29, the left-hander will return for international duty.
Seifert, the explosive keeper-batter from New Zealand, has been part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals previously but only played three games, managing 26 runs. The 30-year-old has will be effective as a replacement from May 24, with Bethell set to return home after the league-stage fixture against the SunRisers Hyderabad on May 23 in Lucknow.
RCB hope to get the monkey of their back by winning their first title this year
Meanwhile, the Royal Challengers are looking to win their first-ever IPL title and remain one of the few franchises who are yet to clinch it. Although RCB have reached the finals on three occasions, they have lost all those.
With two more left for Rajat Patidar and co. they will look to secure one of the top two spots to get the advantage of having two chances go into the final.
