Published on: May 4, 2026 5:23 pm IST|Updated on: May 4, 2026 5:25 pm IST
The reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have been dealt a major blow mid-season as their star batter, Phil Salt, has returned home for scans on the finger injury that has kept him out of the last three matches. This means that his countryman, Jacob Bethell, will get an extended run in this season at the top for the reigning champions. The development has cast serious doubt over his immediate availability for the remainder of the IPL 2026 campaign as the tournament approaches its business end.
The 29-year-old Englishman sustained the injury to his left hand during RCB’s home defeat against the Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18. The incident occurred in the second innings while Salt was attempting a diving stop near the boundary at deep backward square leg.
While the franchise initially remained tight-lipped regarding the severity of the damage, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly intervened, requesting that the centrally contracted player return home for specialist assessment. According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, Salt has already undergone scans in the UK to determine if there is any underlying fracture or ligament damage that might require surgery.
Salt’s absence leaves a gaping hole at the top of the order for the defending champions. Before being sidelined, he was in sensational form, aggregating 202 runs in six innings at a blistering strike rate of 168.33, which included two half-centuries. His aggressive partnership with Virat Kohli was a cornerstone of RCB’s early success this season.
In his absence over the last three matches, fellow countryman and young prospect Jacob Bethell has filled the opening slot. However, Bethell has struggled to replicate Salt’s impact, managing only 39 runs across three outings so far this season. For now, Bethell remains the preferred choice for the reigning champions. However, if Bethell couldn’t contribute in the matches ahead, the team management might explore other options, with English wicket-keeper batter Jordan Cox being the other option in the current squad. Cox is no stranger to T20 franchise leagues, as he has plied his trade for several franchise leagues across the globe, including PSL, ILT20, BBL, SA20, The Hundred, LPL, etc.
Despite the uncertainty, both the player and the franchise remain optimistic. Early indications suggest the injury is not currently being treated as season-ending, and there is hope that Salt could return to India by the end of May to rejoin the squad for the playoffs if the Royal Challengers manage to finish among the top 4.
RCB is currently in a strong position, sitting second in the standings with 12 points from nine matches under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. They have the best net run rate so far in the tournament, i.e., +0.855. The reigning champions are presently on a six-day mid-season break following a loss to the Gujarat Titans.
If the medical scans reveal a more serious condition, IPL regulations would allow RCB to sign a replacement player. For now, the management, including head coach Andy Flower and mentor Dinesh Karthik, is focused on monitoring Salt’s recovery in England.
RCB next plays the bottom-placed Lucknow Super Giants on May 7 at the Ekana Stadium. After LSG, the reigning champions will be left with four more games in the group stage. Take a look at RCB’s remaining fixtures.
Tags: IPL 2026