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RCB Opener Phil Salt Returns to UK for Finger Injury Scans

RCB opener Phil Salt has returned to the UK for scans on a finger injury sustained during a match against Delhi Capitals. The injury has ruled him out of the last three IPL 2026 matches, prolonging Jacob Bethell's stint at the top of the order. Salt had scored 202 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 168.33 before the setback. Both Salt and RCB are optimistic he will return to India later this month to help defend their IPL title.

Key Points: Phil Salt Returns to UK for Finger Injury Scans

  • Phil Salt returns to UK for finger injury scans
  • Ruled out of last three IPL matches
  • Injury sustained during diving stop vs Delhi Capitals
  • Salt scored 202 runs in six innings at 168.33 strike rate
  • RCB optimistic about his return this month
2 min read

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

RCB opener Phil Salt has flown back to the UK for scans on a finger injury that has ruled him out of three IPL 2026 matches.

IPL 2026: RCB opener Phil Salt returns to UK for finger injury scans
"Salt and RCB remain optimistic that the injury will heal in time for him to return to India later this month - ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi, May 4

Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt has flown back to the UK for scans on a finger injury that has ruled him out of the last three matches for the defending champions in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo on Monday.

The development is set to prolong Jacob Bethell's run at the top of the batting order, who is playing in place of the right-handed batter in the ongoing tournament.

According to the report, the defending champions have not officially disclosed the nature of the injury. However, the reports have indicated that Salt sustained damage to a finger on his left hand while attempting a diving stop near the deep backward square leg boundary during the second innings of their home defeat to Delhi Capitals on April 18.

Salt had made a strong start to the season before the setback, scoring 202 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 168.33, providing RCB with aggressive starts at the top of the order.

The report further added that both Salt and RCB remain optimistic that the injury will heal in time for him to return to India later this month, as the franchise continues its push to defend the IPL title they won for the first time last season.

The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Salt, who has previously praised the team environment under director of cricket Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and batting mentor Dinesh Karthik. He had rediscovered form in the IPL after a subdued T20 World Cup campaign with England.

The defending champions, who are being led by Rajat Patidar, are currently on a six-day break following their defeat to the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, with several players taking a short trip to the Maldives ahead of their next fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya M
Bethell is doing a decent job, but replacing Phil Salt is never easy. That 168 strike rate was something else! Hope RCB management handles this injury well and doesn't rush him back. Six-day break in Maldives sounds nice, but hope the team focuses on their next match too. 😄
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Arjun N
Salt got injured while fielding—these things happen in T20s. But RCB should be transparent about the injury instead of leaving fans guessing. Anyway, glad to see Bethell getting more opportunities. Our domestic talent also needs exposure, not just overseas stars.
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Neha V
It's sad that Salt's form was just peaking—202 runs in 6 innings is fantastic. But honestly, RCB's bench strength should be tested. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for someone like Anuj Rawat or Dinesh Karthik to step up. Team environment under Mo Bobat and Dravid (oops, Flower) seems good though. 🙏
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Siddharth R
Honestly, RCB fans like me were worried when Salt was ruled out. But Bethell has shown composure. Let's be real—every team deals with injuries. It's about how the management adapts. Kudos to Rajat Patidar for leading well so far! #PlayBold
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Kavya D
These finger injuries can be tricky—just ask any cricketer. Hope the scans give good news. But honestly, RCB has a deep squad this year. Even without Salt, they can manage if the bowling steps up. That defeat to Gujarat Titans was concerning though. Need to bounce back against LSG!

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