Buttler-Coetzee to rejoin Gujarat Titans, KKR's overseas stars regroup in Bengaluru for IPL 2025

(L-R) Jos Buttler, Gerald Coetzee, Sunil Narine (Pic: AFP)

Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee, the only two Gujarat Titans players who temporarily left India following the suspension of IPL 2025 last Thursday, are set to rejoin the squad ahead of the tournament's resumption on May 17.

The rest of Gujarat's overseas lineup, including Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Kagiso Rabada, and Karim Janat, chose to remain in India during the week-long suspension amid heightened border tensions between India and Pakistan. With continuity in squad preparation, the table-toppers now turn their focus to consolidating their top-two finish.

Both Rutherford and Buttler face a potential scheduling conflict, having been named in their respective national ODI squads for the upcoming series between England and the West Indies, which runs from May 29 to June 3. The dates overlap with the newly revised IPL calendar, which also concludes on June 3. Their availability for the playoffs remains uncertain, dependent on national duty obligations.

Gujarat Titans currently lead the points table with 16 points from 11 games, edging out Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to a superior net run rate. They are scheduled to face Delhi Capitals on May 18, followed by two home games in Ahmedabad, against Lucknow Super Giants on May 22 and Chennai Super Kings on May 25. A win or two more would seal a playoff berth and possibly a top-two finish.

Elsewhere, Kolkata Knight Riders are also making preparations for the IPL restart. According to ESPNcricinfo, most of their overseas players are expected to land in Bengaluru between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The franchise's Caribbean core, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, and team mentor Dwayne Bravo, had been stationed in Dubai during the tournament's hiatus.

Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz, currently in Kabul, will travel to Dubai to join the West Indies group before flying together to India. South African speedster Anrich Nortje will arrive in Bengaluru from the Maldives. KKR's Indian contingent, along with their coaching staff, is also scheduled to regroup on Wednesday.

However, the defending champions face an uphill task to stay in the playoff race. With 11 points from 12 games, they are currently in sixth position and must win both remaining fixtures, against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, to stand a realistic chance of qualifying. Even with 15 points, their fate will hinge on other results going their way.

(With ANI inputs)