Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to welcome Phil Salt back this week, a timely lift as the IPL 2026 season moves towards the playoffs.
Injury and recovery
Salt was hurt while trying to stop a boundary in RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals on April 18 and has not played since. He flew back to England to recover and spend time with family, and is now ready to rejoin the squad for the final stretch.
Before the injury he had been in strong form, scoring 202 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 168.33 with two half-centuries. One of those was his 63 against Delhi, in the same game in which he was injured.
Bethell’s struggles at the top
RCB have been without Salt for seven games and have promoted England teammate Jacob Bethell to open with Virat Kohli. The left-hander has found it hard going, making 96 runs in seven innings at an average of 13.71 and a strike rate under 125.
Reports suggest Salt will walk straight back into the XI, probably in place of Bethell, though he may be rested for the last league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad as a precaution.
Playoff picture
RCB have already qualified and are well placed to finish in the top two, which would give them two chances to reach the final in Ahmedabad on May 31. Captain Rajat Patidar, who missed the previous game against Punjab Kings, is also expected back against SRH. The defending champions are trying to become only the third side after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to retain the title.
