IPL: Jacob Bethell suffers finger injury, set to return to England for assessment
Bengaluru, May 23
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Jacob Bethell has suffered an injury to his left ring finger during RCB's match against Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League clash and will return to England for further assessment ahead of the upcoming Test series on Saturday.
RCB wished the England all-rounder a speedy recovery and success in his rehabilitation.
"Jacob Bethell has sustained an injury to his left ring finger during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's match against Punjab Kings. Following medical assessment, Jacob will return to England for further evaluation ahead of England's upcoming Test series. Everyone at RCB wishes Jacob a speedy recovery and the very best for his rehabilitation process," as per a media advisory from RCB.
Bethell had come into the playing XI as a replacement for the injured Phil Salt, but the young English batter struggled to replicate his compatriot's impact at the top of the order.
He managed 96 runs in seven innings this season, with his highest score being a 27-ball 27 against the Mumbai Indians.
Meanwhile, RCB suffered a 55-run defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their last group-stage game on Friday. RCB ended at the top of the points table.
While RCB have 18 points, the same as Gujarat Titans (GT) and SRH, they are ahead of both teams by virtue of a better net run rate.RCB will take on GT in Qualifier 1 on May 26, with a win securing them a place in the final.
Even if they lose, they will still have another opportunity to reach the final through Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Injuring your finger while fielding or batting is always painful. Wish him a speedy recovery. But I think RCB should have gone with an Indian batter instead of another overseas player as replacement for Salt. We have good domestic talent waiting for chances.
Tough break for the lad. Coming in as Salt's replacement is never easy - those are big shoes to fill! But 96 runs in 7 innings... RCB management will be thinking hard about their combination for Qualifier 1. At least we're at top of the table! 🏏 #Playoffs #RCB
The bigger picture here is the England Test series. Our Indian team should be ready to exploit any weaknesses. But first, I hope Bethell recovers fully - injuries are never good for cricket. RCB will miss having an overseas opener though, even if his form was poor.
Honestly, this might be a blessing in disguise for RCB. Bethell was struggling and the team needs someone reliable for the playoffs. But I feel for the player - getting injured mid-tournament is awful timing. Get well soon, Jacob! 🙏
I think RCB should promote someone like Rajat Patidar or even Dinesh Karthik to open now. We don't need to replace an overseas player with another overseas player in this situation. Use your Indian talent, that's what makes IPL great! And all the best to Bethell for his recovery and Test series.
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