Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced the signing of New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a replacement for England’s Jacob Bethell in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The decision comes as Bethell is set to leave the tournament after RCB’s final league-stage fixture on May 23 to fulfill national duties with the England cricket team ahead of their upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies.
RCB confirmed the replacement on May 22, stating that Seifert, an experienced T20 player with over 1,500 international runs, will join the squad immediately. The franchise signed Seifert for ₹2 crore, expecting his hard-hitting prowess and wicketkeeping skills to strengthen the team as they head into the crucial playoff stage of the season.
Tim Seifert has played 66 T20 Internationals for New Zealand and is known for his explosive batting at the top of the order. His previous IPL stints include appearances for Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, making him familiar with the demands of the tournament.
Jacob Bethell’s short stint with RCB was marked by his energy on the field and contributions with both bat and ball. His departure, while anticipated due to national commitments, has prompted RCB to act swiftly in ensuring squad depth ahead of the business end of the tournament.
The replacement will be effective from May 24, 2025, and fans will be eager to see how Seifert fits into RCB’s lineup as they continue their quest for their maiden IPL title.
