Phil Salt is back in the UK for tests on the finger injury that has ruled him out of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s last three IPL fixtures, a move that should hand Jacob Bethell a longer run at the top of the order.
RCB have said little publicly, but team sources confirm the opener hurt a finger on his left hand while diving on the deep square-leg boundary during the defeat to Delhi Capitals on 18 April. Salt, who began the campaign with 202 runs at a strike rate of 168.33, has not played since.
“He’s being assessed in London and we’ll take a final call once the specialists have spoken,” an RCB spokesperson said on Monday. The franchise still hopes Salt can return later this month as they attempt to defend the title won for the first time last season.
The 29-year-old is centrally contracted by the ECB, and England’s medical staff asked him to travel home for scans. A quick recovery would suit all parties: England have a busy white-ball calendar this northern summer, while RCB would rather avoid drafting a replacement, a step permitted only if the injury is declared season-ending.
Bethell steps up
Salt’s absence has opened the door for Bethell, his England Under-19 colleague, to partner Virat Kohli at the top. The left-hander began the season on the bench and, after scores of 17, 12 and 10, knows he has work to do. “It’s never ideal to come in because someone’s injured, but the chance is there and I want to make it count,” Bethell said after training on Sunday.
Jordan Cox, another English batter, is on standby, yet RCB appear willing to give Bethell time. Head coach Andy Flower hinted as much last week: “Jacob’s got real talent. We’ll back him for a bit – stability up front helps the whole batting unit.”
No panic in Bengaluru
The injury is poorly timed for Salt, who said earlier this season that he had “rediscovered his best form” in the IPL after a lean T20 World Cup. Even so, those inside the RCB camp sound calm. Director of cricket Mo Bobat noted, “Phil’s professionalism is first-class. If the medics clear him, he’ll be straight on the next flight.”
For now, the squad are making the most of a six-day break following defeat to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Several players – Kohli among them – took a brief Maldives getaway before preparations begin for Thursday night’s meeting with Lucknow Super Giants.
Replacement rules
Under tournament regulations, franchises may sign a like-for-like replacement only if a player is ruled out for the season. With a month of group matches still to run, RCB have resisted that option. Should Salt’s scans show a fracture that needs longer rest, the hierarchy would need to decide quickly; top-order overseas batters of IPL standard are in short supply once the competition is under way.
Balanced outlook
Losing a form opener is never ideal, yet RCB’s batting depth looked a strength in last year’s title run, and the management are keen to project calm. Flower summed it up neatly: “Injuries happen. Good teams adapt.”
Key facts at a glance
• Phil Salt injured left-hand finger while fielding v Delhi Capitals, 18 April
• 2026 record: 202 runs, strike rate 168.33
• Returned to UK for scans at request of ECB medical staff
• RCB hopeful he will rejoin squad before end of May
• Jacob Bethell to continue opening; Jordan Cox next in line
Next match: Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Thursday night in Lucknow.
