Last Updated: May 20, 2026 06:04 PM
Royal Challengers Bengaluru sits comfortably at the top of the IPL 2026 points table right now. 9 wins from 13 matches make them strong title contenders this season. The defending champions look ready for another deep playoff run soon.
But they’ve been playing without one of their key overseas players recently. The explosive opener left for England nearly a month ago after getting injured. His absence created a noticeable gap in RCB’s batting lineup.
Good news arrives from the franchise camp ahead of the playoff stages. ESPNcricinfo reports suggest the England star returns to India later this week. This timing couldn’t be better for RCB’s title defense honestly.
Phil Salt to Rejoin RCB Squad
Phil Salt sustained a finger injury on his left hand on April 18. The injury happened while diving near the boundary ropes against the Delhi Capitals. He hasn’t played since that unfortunate incident during the match.
The wicketkeeper-batter traveled home to England for proper recovery time. He spent quality time with his young family during rehabilitation. But now Phil Salt to rejoin RCB becomes reality as the playoffs approach.
Salt was in sensational form before the injury struck him badly. He scored 202 runs across six matches at 33.67 average. His explosive power play starts alongside Virat Kohli formed a dangerous combination.
Jacob Bethell’s Struggles
Young England batter Jacob Bethell replaced Salt as Kohli’s opening partner. But the replacement has struggled badly across 7 matches played. He’s managed only 96 runs at a poor 13.71 average.
Bethell failed to deliver consistently at the top order position unfortunately. His struggles put extra pressure on the middle-order batsmen. RCB needs their original opener back desperately for playoff success.
Playoff Implications
Salt likely misses RCB’s final league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. Bethell probably continues opening for that game if necessary. But once playoff matches begin, Salt walks straight back in.
RCB needs just one win to guarantee a top-place finish. That secures a direct spot in Qualifier 1 of the playoffs. Their recent victory against the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala boosts confidence. Interestingly, Dharamsala also hosts Qualifier 1 giving them a familiarity advantage!
