Major update on Phil Salt’s availability for RCB vs MI clash of IPL 2026
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Phil Salt missed last few games for RCB due to injury.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are still in a strong position in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season despite suffering two back-to-back defeats recently. The Rajat Patidar-led side has shown consistency throughout the tournament and remain one of the top contenders for the playoffs.
RCB have impressed with their balanced performances in both batting and bowling. Virat Kohli has continued his fine form at the top, while the bowling attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood has delivered important breakthroughs in pressure situations.
The Bengaluru-based franchise will next take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in Raipur on Sunday, May 10. The match is very important for RCB as a win could help them move to the top of the IPL 2026 points table. Ahead of the game, a major update has arrived regarding England opener Phil Salt.
Phil Salt arrives in India ahead of RCB vs MI clash
England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt has returned to India after flying back to UK for medical scans on his finger injury. Salt had suffered the injury while fielding during RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals.
Former Kolkata Knight Riders director Joy Bhattacharya confirmed Salt’s arrival in India while speaking on Cricbuzz.
“From our production team to everyone is running after social media to see where is Phil Salt. So Phil Salt has arrived in India,” Joy Bhattacharya said on Cricbuzz.
Bhattacharya also spoke about Salt’s possible availability for the clash against Mumbai Indians in Raipur.
“Will Salt march move to Raipur or not is the question. If he reaches Raipur, I think if Phil Salt is there, it’ll give a huge boost to the team,” Bhattacharya added.
Salt was in excellent form before the injury. The attacking opener scored 202 runs in six innings at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 168.33. His return could solve RCB’s opening concerns.
Jacob Bethell, who replaced Salt in the playing XI, managed only 43 runs in four matches. Jitesh Sharma has also struggled badly this season with only 64 runs in eight innings. If Salt is declared fit, he could return as both opener and even prospectively as wicketkeeper for RCB against MI if the defending champions decide to drop Jitesh.
Why did Phil Salt miss IPL 2026 matches for RCB?
He returned to England for medical scans on his finger injury.
Who replaced Phil Salt in RCB’s playing XI?
Jacob Bethell replaced him as opener.
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Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.