Phil Salt injured & Jacob Bethell ruled out: RCB in a pickle before IPL 2026 Playoffs

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have sustained a major blow before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Playoffs. Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the tournament with a left-hand finger injury. The Englishman had sustained the blow on his ring finger while diving to save a boundary on May 17 against the Punjab Kings.

Jacob Bethell ruled out of IPL 2026

Subsequently, Bethell missed the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) game on May 23. The 22-year-old was Phil Salt’s backup, who had missed the last 8 matches for RCB due to a finger injury. Although Salt has returned to India and rejoined the franchise, he isn’t confirmed to play the Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans on May 26.

The RCB is now in trouble. Although Venkatesh Iyer did well against SRH, scoring 44 off 19 as the makeshift opener, going into the playoffs with just one permanent opener could be a massive risk.

“Jacob Bethell has sustained an injury to his left ring finger during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against Punjab Kings. Following medical assessment, Jacob will return to England for further evaluation ahead of England’s upcoming Test series,” RCB said in a statement.

Who’ll open in Qualifier 1 with Virat Kohli?

RCB had used just 3 overseas players against SRH and can’t leave themselves understrength again in their biggest match of the season. They do have the option of Jordan Cox, who’s a natural opener/top-order batter, but he’s yet to make his RCB or IPL debut. They can stick with Venkatesh Iyer or promote Devdutt Padikkal from three to one.

Ideally, they would’ve liked for Salt to be fit for selection. But there’s no guarantee just yet. If not Salt, then Bethell continues, since he has played 7 matches. Yes, his performance hasn’t been great, but at least Bethell has got the experience behind him, which Venkatesh or Cox don’t. Removing Padikkal from number three, a position that he’s shone brightly in, isn’t a great option either.

Bethell out of ENG vs NZ 1st Test?

The finger injury has cast doubt over Bethell’s availability for the England vs New Zealand 1st Test at Lord’s from June 4 to 8. Initially, Bethell was to join England’s squad after his stint with the RCB. The Ben Stokes-led team was to train in Loughborough from May 24, before travelling to London. However, now he might not join the camp or the team at all.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League. He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England Men’s medical team on his return to determine his availability for selection for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday 4 June,” the ECB said in a statement.

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