IPL 2026: Phil Salt set to rejoin RCB squad this week after finger injury
Synopsis
Defending champions RCB are set to get their most explosive opener back just in time for the IPL 2026 playoffs. Phil Salt, who was averaging a strike rate of 168.33 before a finger injury cut short his season, is returning to India this week — and his availability could be the difference between a title defence and an early exit.
Key Takeaways
Phil Salt , 29, is set to return to India and rejoin RCB later this week after recovering from a left-hand finger injury.
Salt was injured on 18 April during RCB's defeat to Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium .
Before his injury, Salt had scored 202 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 168.33 .
RCB have already qualified for the playoffs and are in contention for Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala .
Stand-in opener Jacob Bethell has managed just 96 runs in seven innings , with a highest score of 27 .
Venkatesh Iyer hit an unbeaten 73 against Punjab Kings , adding pressure on the opening slot.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a timely fitness boost ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs, with England opener Phil Salt set to return to India later this week after recovering from a finger injury that kept him sidelined for nearly a month. The 29-year-old's return comes at a critical juncture as RCB prepare for the knockout stages of the tournament.
How Salt Got Injured
Salt sustained the injury to a finger on his left hand while diving to stop a boundary during RCB's defeat to Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on 18 April. He subsequently flew back to England to recover and spend time with his young family. According to reports, Salt is now ready to make the journey back to India and rejoin the defending champions.
Will Salt Feature Against Sunrisers Hyderabad
It remains to be seen whether Salt will be available for RCB's final league-stage fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. The team management is reportedly unlikely to rush him back into action so close to the playoffs, given the risk of aggravating the injury at such a crucial stage of the competition.
RCB's Playoff Position and Salt's Impact
In Salt's absence, RCB have already secured their place in the playoffs and are well-positioned to reach Qualifier 1, scheduled to be played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala the following Tuesday, barring a significant hit to their net run rate. Before the injury, Salt had been a standout performer at the top of the order, accumulating 202 runs across six innings at a remarkable strike rate of 168.33.
Bethell Under Pressure, Iyer Steps Up
With Salt unavailable, his England compatriot Jacob Bethell has been opening alongside Virat Kohli, but has struggled for form — managing just 96 runs in seven innings with a highest score of 27. Bethell's place in the XI could face further scrutiny after batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer struck an unbeaten 73 in RCB's victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Sunday.
Notably, regular skipper Rajat Patidar missed that match after being struck on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Kartik Tyagi during the game in Raipur, making Iyer's innings all the more significant for team morale. With the playoffs approaching, Salt's availability could prove decisive for RCB's title defence.
Point of View
Whose unbeaten 73 has complicated selection in a way that a strong Salt return could resolve cleanly. RCB's title defence hinges on whether they can reconstruct their best batting XI before the first knockout ball is bowled.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Phil Salt miss IPL 2026 matches for RCB?
Phil Salt injured a finger on his left hand while diving to save a boundary during RCB's defeat to Delhi Capitals on 18 April at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He returned to England to recover and spend time with his family before being cleared to travel back to India.
When will Phil Salt return to RCB?
Salt is set to return to India later this week, according to reports. Whether he will be available for RCB's final league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday remains uncertain, as the team is unlikely to risk his fitness so close to the playoffs.
How has RCB performed without Phil Salt?
RCB have qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs despite Salt's absence and are in contention for Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala. However, replacement opener Jacob Bethell has struggled, scoring only 96 runs in seven innings with a highest score of 27.
Who replaced Phil Salt at the top of RCB's batting order?
England all-rounder Jacob Bethell stepped in to open alongside Virat Kohli in Salt's absence. Bethell has found it difficult to replicate Salt's impact, managing just 96 runs across seven innings.
What are RCB's playoff prospects for IPL 2026?
RCB have already secured a playoff berth and are well-placed to qualify for Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, barring a major setback to their net run rate in their final league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
