New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced a mid-season concern after England opener Phil Salt returned home for a scan on a finger injury, casting doubt on his immediate availability for the IPL 2026 campaign.Salt, who has been in impressive form at the top of the order, has already been out of RCB’s last three matches. The 29-year-old is believed to have injured his left hand while attempting a diving stop at deep backward square leg during RCB’s defeat against Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Salt “damaged a finger on his left hand” during the effort and later returned to England at the request of the England management. He has since undergone scans, with both the player and the franchise hoping for a speedy recovery and return later this month.A strong start was halted by an untimely injury.The setback came at a frustrating time for Salt, who had rediscovered his rhythm in the IPL after a lackluster international phase. In six innings this season, he has scored 202 runs at a strike rate of 168.33, providing an explosive start to Virat Kohli.His absence has opened the door for a fellow England batsman. Jacob Bethelwho has stepped in as an opener but is yet to make a significant impact, scoring 39 runs in three matches so far. With Salt sidelined, expect Bethel to continue to get opportunities at the top of the order.RCB is optimistic amid playoff push.Despite the injury setback, RCB have enjoyed a strong season and are currently second in the points table behind Punjab Kings. The franchise is hopeful that Salt’s injury isn’t long-term and will be looking to get him back as they push for the playoffs.
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Under IPL regulations, RCB can consider signing a replacement if the injury is considered season-ending, but for now, the focus is on Salt’s rehabilitation.With a crucial stage of the tournament approaching and a clash against Lucknow Supergiants next, RCB will hope that their explosive opener will be back soon to bolster an already strong batting line-up.
