Will Phil Salt play tonight for RCB vs KKR in IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Phil Salt sustained a finger injury during a match vs Delhi Capitals on April 18.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 fixture as the league stage approaches its final phase. The match will be played in Raipur on Wednesday, May 13. With playoff qualifications on the line for both teams, it will one of the most important games in league.
One of the biggest questions surrounding RCB before the game is the availability of England opener Phil Salt. The wicketkeeper-batter has missed multiple matches after suffering a finger injury during RCB’s clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) earlier in the tournament.
Salt’s absence has forced Royal Challengers Bengaluru to alter their opening combination in recent games. Jacob Bethell has partnered Virat Kohli at the top while RCB management continued to monitor Salt’s recovery progress.
Will Phil Salt play tonight for RCB vs KKR?
As of now, Phil Salt is unlikely to play tonight’s IPL 2026 match between RCB and KKR. The England batter is still recovering from a finger injury, which occurred when Salt attempted a diving stop near the boundary.
Following the injury, Salt returned to England for scans and further assessment, which ruled him out of multiple IPL matches. Although, Salt has rejoined the RCB squad after recovering from the injury, but there has been no official confirmation regarding his inclusion in tonight’s playing XI.
There are chances that RCB may continue with the current opening combination to avoid rushing Salt back immediately after recovery.
Before suffering the injury, Salt had played an important role for RCB at the top of the order. In six matches this season, the opener scored 202 runs at a strike rate above 168 and registered two half-centuries.
His aggressive starts during the powerplay helped RCB build momentum in several matches earlier in the tournament. Salt’s attacking approach alongside Virat Kohli had become one of the team’s most effective combinations before the injury setback.
RCB are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with Salt, considering the playoff stage is approaching, and the franchise would prefer to have him fully fit for the final phase of the tournament.
A final decision on Salt’s availability is expected at the toss when both teams officially announce their playing XIs.
Will Phil Salt play tonight for RCB vs KKR in IPL 2026?
As of now, Phil Salt is unlikely to feature in IPL 2026 match between RCB and KKR due to a finger injury.
Why is Phil Salt unavailable for RCB?
Phil Salt suffered a finger injury while fielding during RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals on April 18. He later returned to England for scans and recovery.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.