May 24, 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, with Australian batsman Tim David sustaining a hamstring injury during their recent 42-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
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David was fielding in the deep during the final over of SRH’s innings when he pulled his hamstring trying to stop a boundary. He hobbled off the field and did not return to field for the remaining deliveries. Despite the injury, David came out to bat but managed just one run off five balls as RCB were bowled out for 189 in pursuit of a challenging target of 232.
This injury adds to RCB’s growing fitness concerns this season. Key players including captain Rajat Patidar, opener Phil Salt, and Devdutt Padikkal have already faced fitness issues. Patidar, who has been recovering from a hand injury, led the team in the match and was used as an impact substitute. Salt made a strong comeback after falling sick, scoring a quick 62 off 32 balls against SRH. Meanwhile, Padikkal was ruled out for the rest of the season earlier due to a hamstring injury, having scored 247 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 150.60. Mayank Agarwal was brought in as his replacement.
RCB will also be without all-rounder Jacob Bethell for the playoffs due to England duties. New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert has been called up as his replacement.
Following the loss to SRH, RCB have slipped to third place in the IPL points table. Their final league match will be against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 at the same venue. With playoff spots confirmed but key players nursing injuries, RCB will need to manage their fitness carefully as they aim to make a strong push for their maiden IPL title.