IPL 2026: Major update on Phil Salt's joining date with RCB
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Phil Salt returned to the UK after sustaining a finger injury.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Phil Salt played six games in the Indian Premier League 2026 before sustaining an injury. He injured his finger while fielding in a clash against the Delhi Capitals on April 18, which was also his last game in the tournament.
As a result, he returned to England for further assessment and management of his injury. In his absence, his countryman Jacob Bethell has opened the batting with Virat Kohli for RCB, but has struggled to make a mark.
As you know, RCB have qualified for the playoffs, and now there is some good news for the defending champions ahead of the knockout stage.
Phil Salt to return to India this week – Reports
Salt is set to return to India later this week and join the RCB squad, according to a report by ESPN Cricinfo. Amid Bethell’s struggles, RCB would like to reinstate Salt as an opener following his return.
Bethell has managed just 96 runs in seven games, with a highest score of 27. Before his ouster, Salt scored 202 runs in six games at a strike rate of 168.33, with two half-centuries. Salt provided quickfire starts in a few games and also scored a half-century in his last appearance.
Meanwhile, RCB were the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2026 after defeating Punjab Kings in their previous game by 23 runs. They have shown a marvellous form recently, winning three games in a row.
Out of 13 games, they have won nine and lost four. With 18 points, they grab the top spot in the points table. RCB have confirmed their spot in the top two positions and are set to play in Qualifier 1.
They will now clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. SRH have also qualified for the playoffs.
What injury did Phil Salt suffer in IPL 2026?
Salt suffered a finger injury.
When is Salt expected to join RCB squad?
According to reports, Salt will join the RCB squad later this week.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.