Jacob Bethel Royal Challengers Bangalore have cut short their IPL 2026 campaign after suffering a finger injury, creating a fresh concern for them. England cricket team Ahead of the upcoming Test series against them New Zealand Cricket Team.The 22-year-old missed RCB’s final league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, along with the skipper Rajat Patidar Confirming after the match that Bethel had injured his finger.Despite a heavy 55-run loss to SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Bengaluru still finished the league stage at the top of the IPL 2026 table and secured a place in Qualifier 1. RCB are now scheduled to face Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala on Tuesday.Bethel scored 96 runs in seven matches during the campaign and provided depth to RCB’s batting unit.However, the major concern now surrounds his availability for England’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s starting on June 4. Bethel emerged as a strong contender to bat at number three after impressing during the Ashes earlier this year, including a stunning century against Australia in January.The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday that Bethel will return home for further medical examinations.“The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batsman Jacob Bethel will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League,” the ECB said in a statement.The board also revealed that England’s medical team will closely monitor the young batsman before deciding on his availability for the Lord’s Test.He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England men’s medical team on his return to determine his availability for selection for the first Test in Rothesay against New Zealand at Lord’s from Thursday 4 June.Bethel’s injury now leaves England facing an anxious wait just days before the start of a crucial domestic summer season.
