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RCB Opener Phil Salt Returns to England for Finger Injury Scans

RCB opener Phil Salt has returned to England for scans on his injured finger, sidelining him for three IPL 2026 matches. The injury occurred during a match against Delhi Capitals on April 18. Salt had amassed 202 runs at an impressive strike rate before the injury. RCB, currently second in the points table, hope for his quick return.

Key Points: Phil Salt Flies to England for Finger Injury Scans

  • Phil Salt returns to England for finger injury scans
  • Sidelined from RCB's last three IPL 2026 matches
  • Scored 202 runs at 168.33 strike rate before injury
  • RCB in second place, face LSG on Thursday
2 min read

IPL 2026: RCB opener Phil Salt returns to England for scans after finger injury

RCB opener Phil Salt returns to England for scans on his injured finger, sidelined for three IPL 2026 matches. Team hopes for quick recovery.

"Both player and franchise remain hopeful that the finger will heal soon enough for Salt to return to India this month - ESPNCricinfo"

New Delhi, May 4

Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt has flown back to England for scans on his injured finger which has sidelined him for the side's last three IPL 2026 matches. In Salt's absence, RCB have got his England compatriot Jacob Bethell to partner with Virat Kohli at the top of the order.

Salt, 29, damaged a finger on his left hand while diving to save a boundary during RCB's defeat to Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18. As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, Salt, who holds a central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), returned home at the request of the national team's management to undergo further assessment.

"Both player and franchise remain hopeful that the finger will heal soon enough for Salt to return to India this month, with RCB aiming to defend the title that they won for the first time last season.

"RCB would be eligible to sign a replacement for Salt under IPL regulations in the event that the injury is deemed season-ending, but they are expected to give him every opportunity to recover," further said the report.

Salt had provided a significant spark at the top of the order for RCB by amassing 202 runs across six innings at an impressive strike rate of 168.33 before the finger injury forced him out of the lineup.

The timing of Salt's injury is a blow for defending champions RCB, who are at second place in the IPL 2026 points table, only behind the Punjab Kings.

RCB are on a six-day break and are scheduled to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Honestly, as an RCB fan, I'm not too worried. We've got depth this year. Bethell looked solid in the last game and Kohli is in great form. Plus, with that six-day break, maybe the team can regroup and come back stronger. But yes, Salt's 168 strike rate will be missed. 😕
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Vikram M
ECB calling back their players mid-IPL for scans? This is exactly why we need to prioritize Indian talent in the auction. We can't be dependent on foreign players who might leave any moment. But having said that, Salt has been phenomenal for us - hope it's nothing serious. 🙏
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Naveen S
At least RCB are smart this time. Remember last year when we had no backup for injuries? Bethell is already in the squad and he's been doing well. Still, Salt's aggression at the top is something special. Fingers crossed for the Lucknow game - Kohli and Bethell need to fire again! 💪
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Michael C
As someone who follows both IPL and England cricket, this is the right call. Better to get proper scans done early rather than risk a long-term injury. Salt is too important for England's T20 plans. But I feel for RCB fans - he was in incredible form. That 202 runs at 168 strike rate was top class. 😅
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Tanya I
Honestly, I'm impressed with how RCB management is handling this. They're not panicking and signing a replacement right away. Shows they trust Bethell and the squad depth. But imagine if this was the old RCB - we'd have

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