3 players who could replace Phil Salt at RCB if he is ruled out of IPL 2026
Phil Salt scored 202 runs in six innings with two half-centuries.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have performed quite well in the Indian Premier League 2026 so far. They are placed second in the points table with six wins in nine matches.
The tournament is heading towards the business end, and every game is important now. That is where RCB have suffered a big blow, as star opener Phil Salt has flown back to the UK for the scans. Notably, Salt sustained a finger injury during the game against the Delhi Capitals.
As a result, Salt has missed the last few games, and RCB have given Jacob Bethell a chance at the top with Virat Kohli. Bethell has shown some flashes but hasn’t been able to capitalise on his opportunities yet. That is where RCB can keep a replacement in mind if Salt gets ruled out.
However, there is no update on Salt’s return yet. His return will depend on the status of his injury and rehabilitation. But if he gets ruled out of IPL 2026, there are a few good players who can come in as his replacement in the RCB squad.
Players who could replace Phil Salt if he is ruled out
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk
The young Australian wicketkeeper Jake Fraser-McGurk had a breakthrough debut IPL season for Delhi Capitals in 2024. He scored 330 runs at a strike rate of 234.04 with four half-centuries. This also helped him make his T20I debut for Australia.
But he couldn’t continue his form at the international level. Even in IPL 2025, he looked scratchy and was released. Later, he didn’t get any buyers at the IPL 2026 auction.
However, he comes with a reputation as a fearsome striker. RCB need someone like him, who can give them a good start in the powerplay, and Fraser-McGurk has that ability.
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Another surprise name that went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction was Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A proven match-winner at the international level was with KKR for three seasons (2023-2025). But he didn’t get many chances at the top.
He also had a pretty good T20 World Cup 2026 in these conditions. He was picked for the PSL 2026, but he withdrew from the league. Gurbaz is an experienced player who has played across different franchise leagues and can add value with gloves as well.
1. Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow is a well-known name among IPL fans and has played for three different franchises in his six IPL seasons. He has played 52 games and has scored 1674 runs at a strike rate of 146.07. Bairstow has two centuries and nine half-centuries in the IPL.
He has played several match-winning knocks in the IPL. MI signed him as a replacement in 2025, when he played two blistering knocks. But he went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction, with teams preferring other options. However, he could be an ideal replacement for Salt, as he has the same skills as Salt.
How did Phil Salt get injured in the IPL 2026?
Phil Salt sustained an injury to his finger during the game against the Delhi Capitals.
Who has replaced Phil Salt at RCB in the IPL 2026?
Jacob Bethell has replaced Salt as of now. He is opening the innings with Virat Kohli.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.