Big boost for RCB! Phil Salt set for return ahead of IPL 2026 playoffs
Explosive opener Phil Salt is set to return for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs after recovering from a finger injury. His return provides a significant boost to RCB's strong top-order, which struggled in his absence.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to receive a massive boost ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs, with explosive England opener Phil Salt likely to rejoin the squad after spending nearly a month on the sidelines due to injury. According to ESPNcricinfo, Salt is expected to return later this week to India after recovering from a finger injury sustained during RCB’s clash against Delhi Capitals on April 18. The wicketkeeper-batter had injured a finger on his left hand while diving near the boundary ropes in an attempt to save runs.
He has not featured for RCB since then and had travelled back home to England to recover and spend time with his young family. Salt’s return could not have come at a better time for RCB, who are eyeing a strong finish to the league stage and a direct route into Qualifier 1. Before his injury setback, the England star was in sensational form at the top of the order alongside Virat Kohli.
In just six matches this season, Salt smashed 202 runs at an average of 33. 67, consistently providing explosive starts in the powerplay and giving RCB momentum early in the innings. His aggressive batting style perfectly complemented Kohli’s stability at the other end, forming one of the most dangerous opening combinations of IPL 2026.
In Salt’s absence, young England batter Jacob Bethell has filled the opening slot alongside Kohli. However, Bethell has struggled to make a significant impact this season. Across seven matches, the left-hander has managed only 96 runs at an average of 13.