Phil Salt has flown back to England for scans, leaving Royal Challengers Bengaluru dealing with fresh uncertainty in IPL 2026. The opener has already missed three matches, and his absence is starting to create a noticeable gap at the top of the order.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Salt has returned to the UK to undergo further assessment on a finger injury that has sidelined him since RCB’s defeat to Delhi Capitals on April 18. The development means RCB could be without one of their most in-form batters at a crucial stage of the season.
Salt had been one of RCB’s early positives this year, scoring 202 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 168.33 and consistently providing aggressive starts. His absence has forced a reshuffle, with Jacob Bethell stepping in at the top alongside Virat Kohli, though the results have not quite matched Salt’s impact.
The timing couldn’t be worse for RCB either. With the defending champions still pushing to build momentum, losing a player who set the tone early in the innings has added to their selection headaches, especially with Bethell yet to fully settle despite extended opportunities.
HOW DID PHIL SALT GET INJURED?
Salt’s injury traces back to RCB’s home clash against Delhi Capitals.
The wicketkeeper-batter is understood to have hurt a finger on his left hand while attempting a diving stop near the deep backward square leg boundary during the second innings. It was a routine fielding effort on most days, but this time it resulted in an injury serious enough to keep him out of multiple matches.
RCB have not officially detailed the extent of the damage, but the fact that Salt has now travelled back to England for scans suggests the franchise and the ECB are taking a cautious approach.
WILL PHIL SALT PLAY IPL 2026 ANY FURTHER?
For now, both Salt and RCB remain optimistic.
The scans are expected to provide clarity, but early indications suggest that the injury is not being treated as season-ending. The hope is that the finger heals in time for Salt to return to India later this month and rejoin RCB for the latter stages of the tournament.
In the meantime, Bethell is likely to continue at the top, with Jordan Cox also available as a backup option. RCB do have the option of signing a replacement if the injury worsens, but for now, the focus remains on getting Salt back.
RCB are currently on a short mid-season break following their loss to Gujarat Titans, with their next game scheduled against Lucknow Super Giants. Whether Salt returns in time for that or later in the campaign could play a key role in shaping their title defence.
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