IPL 2025: RCB swaps Jacob Bethell for Tim Seifert as Kiwi keeper is set to leave for England

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced on Thursday the signing of New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a replacement for England's Jacob Bethell for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The Rajat Patidar-led team secured Seifert for Rs 2 crore.

Bethell is set to leave the tournament on Saturday, following RCB’s final league-stage fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, in order to join the England national team.

Seifert’s inclusion in the RCB squad will be effective from the day of Bethell’s departure.


"Welcome to #ನಮ್ಮRCB, Bam Bam," said the team on its official X handle.


The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter has played 66 T20Is and has 1540 runs against his name from the same.

The exchange marks the second time the team has replaced an overseas player this IPL season.

RCB had earlier announced the inclusion of Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for South Africa's Lungi Ngidi. The fast bowler has 78 T20I wickets and a reputation for generating bounce and steep angles, making him a valuable addition to the bowling attack.

Muzarabani joined the franchise for Rs 75 lakh and will be available for selection from May 26, just before RCB’s last league game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27.

Ngidi, who will be leaving for the World Test Championship final against Australia, made one impactful appearance this season — claiming three key wickets in a nail-biting two-run win over Chennai Super Kings.

The dual replacements come at a critical juncture for RCB, who are also without pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood due to a shoulder injury.