IPL 2026, Qualifier 1: RCB dented with huge injury blow ahead of playoffs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Jacob Bethell has been ruled out for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2026. Bethell, who skipped RCB’s final league-stage game against SunRisers Hyderabad on Friday, will return to England and undergo rehabilitation ahead of his national commitments.

The development comes at a crucial time for RCB, who are set to play Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026 playoffs against Gujarat Titans. Rajat Patidar’s side finished at the top of the table this season despite suffering a heavy loss to SRH in their final league-stage match.

Bethell was not part of that game after injuring his finger during RCB’s previous clash against Punjab Kings. The youngster hurt himself while diving to complete a catch in the field.

“Jacob Bethell has sustained an injury to his left ring finger during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against Punjab Kings. Following medical assessment, Jacob will return to England for further evaluation ahead of England’s upcoming Test series,” RCB said in a statement on Saturday, May 23.

The England and Wales Cricket Board also confirmed the development and revealed that an agreement had been reached with RCB regarding the player’s release.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bengaluru that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League. He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England Men’s medical team on his return to determine his availability for selection for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday, June 4,” the ECB statement added.

PHIL SALT RETURNS FOR RCB

RCB will play Gujarat Titans in the first playoff game this season. The team will be bouyed by the return of opener Phil Saltwho should directly fit into the side in the final stage of the tournament. In the previous game vs RCB, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer opened the innings with the bat and scored a rapid 44 off just 19 balls. However, it is expected that if Salt is fit, Iyer will be sent down the order in their next game.

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