Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have suffered a major blow as opening batsman Phil Salt has returned to the United Kingdom for medical scans on a finger injury. The aggressive English batsman has missed the last three matches for the defending champions in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
The injury occurred when Salt attempted a diving stop near the deep backward square leg boundary during the second innings against Delhi Capitals on 18 April. Before suffering an injury to his left hand, he had scored 202 runs at an average of 202 in his six innings. 33.67 more Strike rate of 168.33 including two half-centuries.
key points
- Phil Salt returns to UK for scans on finger injury
- Did not play last three matches for RCB
- ECB advised immediate medical examination
- Return in IPL 2026 remains uncertain
ECB asks Phil Salt to return home for scans
According to ESPNcricinfo, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) asked Phil Salt to return home immediately for a medical examination. However, Salt and Royal Challengers Bangalore remain optimistic that the injury will heal quickly, allowing him to return to India later this month.
This absence has given his England teammate Jacob Bethell a long chance to open with Virat Kohli. Bethel has been included in the lineup as a replacement for Salt, while fellow Englishman Jordan Cox is available as a backup batting option.
Bethel has not made much of an impact in the tournament so far. He has scored only 39 runs in his first three innings. Royal Challengers Bangalore will hope that this extended exposure at the top will help them regain form.
Many more to follow…
FAQ
- Why did Phil Salt leave IPL 2026?
He returned to the UK for medical scans after suffering a finger injury. - Will Phil Salt return in IPL 2026?
RCB is hopeful, but there is no definite timeline yet. - Who replaced Phil Salt in the RCB lineup?
Jacob Bethel has been given a chance at the top.
Also Read: Varun Chakravarthy gives big injury update after KKR vs SRH win
