Are RCB making mistake by not playing Jacob Bethell instead of Phil Salt?

RCB have preferred Phil Salt as an opener, while Jacob Bethell has been rested.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are clashing with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on April 10, where they aim for their third victory in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

The Rajat Patidar & Co. received a big boost as pacer Josh Hazlewood returned after missing two games. As a result, they dropped Jacob Duffy from the playing XI despite his brilliant show in IPL 2026. This was the only change that RCB made to their playing XI.

RCB yet again overlooked Jacob Bethell in XI. The left-handed batsman was in a sensational form, which was visible in the T20 World Cup 2026 last month.

Bethell finished as the highest run-scorer for England and scored a spectacular century in the semi-final against India. However, he will need to wait for opportunities to be part of the playing XI.

Notably, RCB can replace him with opener Phil Salt, who is also an England batter. Salt and Virat Kohli were the opening pair for the side last year and RCB retained them for IPL 2026.

Should RCB consider Jacob Bethell over Phil Salt in IPL 2026?

Notably, Salt has struggled to come up with a consistent performance in IPL 2026. He got out cheaply for just eight runs in the opening game against SRH. In the second clash, he scored quickfire 46 runs off 30 deliveries but got out before reaching his half-century. Against RR, he was gone for a golden duck.

His opening partner Kohli and number three batter Devdutt Padikkal have done a spectacular job, which has helped RCB to cope up the early blow. Moreover, they also won their previous two games easily.

As of now, RCB have taken the right call to give opportunities to Salt. Making changes just at the start of the tournament can hamper the team’s combination and momentum.

However, Salt has struggled in two games out of three and if he gets out cheaply in any more matches, RCB should think about trying Bethell instead. Salt’s poor form will also put too much pressure on his partner Kohli.

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