Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee Rejoin Gujarat Titans Ahead of IPL Resumption

IPL 2025 Resumption: Key Player Updates

New Delhi [India], May 13: Former England captain Jos Buttler and South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee are set to rejoin the Gujarat Titans as the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares to resume on May 17.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Buttler and Coetzee were the only international players to depart India following the suspension of the lucrative league last Thursday, which was prompted by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Other overseas players from the Titans, such as Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Kagiso Rabada, and Karim Janat, remained in India with the rest of their team.

Rutherford has been selected for the West Indies ODI squad for a series in England scheduled from May 29 to June 3, which coincides with the IPL's revised schedule. Similarly, Buttler has also been named in England's ODI squad for the same series.

Currently, Gujarat Titans lead the points table with 16 points, ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, thanks to a better net run rate. Their next match is against 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.

In related news, most overseas players from the Kolkata Knight Riders are anticipated to arrive in Bengaluru between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, as per ESPNcricinfo.

KKR's Caribbean players, including Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, and team mentor Dwayne Bravo, have been in Dubai since the tournament's suspension. Wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, currently in Kabul, will travel to Dubai to join the West Indies contingent before heading to India.

Additionally, South African bowler Anrich Nortje will be arriving in Bengaluru from the Maldives. KKR's Indian players and support staff are also expected to return on Wednesday.

The defending champions find themselves in a challenging position for their title defense, currently sitting seventh in the standings. KKR is clinging to playoff hopes with 11 points, and their upcoming matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are crucial.

If KKR secures victories in both matches, they will reach 15 points and rely on favorable outcomes in other games to keep their championship aspirations alive.