RCB sign Karachi Kings batter as Jacob Bethell’s replacement for IPL 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have brought in New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a replacement for England’s Jacob Bethell, who will leave the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after RCB’s final league-stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23.

Seifert's signing will officially come into effect from May 24, just as Bethell departs to join the England team. The 30-year-old will be available for RCB’s final league clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27, and for the playoffs that follow.

RCB have secured eight wins in 12 matches and are well in contention for a top-two finish in the league standings. With high-stakes games coming up, Seifert’s inclusion adds depth and experience to the squad.

Seifert, who is currently representing Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, has had a solid run in the tournament so far. He has scored 226 runs in nine matches at an average of 25.11 and a strike rate of 145.80, helping the Kings secure a playoff spot by finishing third in the league stage.

Karachi Kings, led by David Warner, are set to face Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on Thursday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The winner of that clash will face Islamabad United in Qualifier 2 on Friday for a place in the PSL 10 final against Quetta Gladiators.

As for Seifert’s T20 credentials, he brings a wealth of experience with 5,862 runs in 262 matches at a strike rate of 133.07. He has represented New Zealand in 66 T20Is, scoring 1,540 runs. He last featured in the IPL in 2022 with Delhi Capitals and made his debut in the league with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2021.

Seifert joins RCB for a fee of INR 2 Crore and will be a key addition as the team gears up for a strong finish to their campaign.