Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a major blow as opener Phil Salt returned home to the United Kingdom to undergo medical tests for a finger injury. The aggressive English batsman has missed the defending champions’ last three matches of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) 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 April 18. Before the injury to his left hand, he scored 202 runs in his six innings at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 168.33, including two half-centuries.
Key points
- Phil Salt returned to UK for scans on finger injuries
- He missed RCB’s last three matches.
- The ECB recommended immediate medical checks
- Return to 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 medical checks. However, Salt and Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain optimistic that the injury will heal quickly, allowing him to return to India later this month.
This absence gives his England teammate Jacob Bethell a greater opportunity to open alongside Virat Kohli. Bethell is included in the lineup as Salt’s replacement, while fellow Englishman Jordan Cox remains available as a backup batting option.
Bethell has yet to make a big impact in the tournament. He has scored just 39 runs in his first three innings. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will hope this long run at the top helps them find form.
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Frequently asked questions
- Why did Phil Salt leave IPL 2026?
He returned to the UK for medical tests after suffering a finger injury. - Will Phil Salt return to IPL 2026?
RCB remains hopeful, but there is no confirmed schedule yet. - Who replaced Phil Salt in RCB lineup?
Jacob Bethell has been given a chance at the top.
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