Huge blow for RCB! The star player leaves the IPL 2026 camp just before the playoffs

RCB’s Jacob Bethell and captain Rajat Patidar (ANI Photo) Jacob Bethell has cut short his IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after suffering a finger injury, raising fresh concerns for the England cricket team ahead of the upcoming Test series against the New Zealand cricket team.The 22-year-old missed RCB’s last league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, with captain Rajat Patidar confirming after the match that Bethell had injured his finger.Despite a heavy 55-run defeat by SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Bengaluru still finished the league stage at the top of the IPL 2026 table and secured a place in Qualifier 1. RCB will now face Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala on Tuesday.Bethell featured in seven matches during the campaign, scoring 96 runs while providing depth to the RCB batting unit.However, greater concern now surrounds his availability for England’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on June 4. Bethell has emerged as a strong candidate to bat at number three after impressing during the Ashes earlier this year, including a brilliant century against Australia in January.The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday that Bethell would return home for further medical assessment.“The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top batsman Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after injuring his left ring finger while playing in the Indian Premier League,” the ECB said in a statement.The board also revealed that England’s medical team will monitor the young batter closely before making a decision on his availability for the Lord’s Test.“On his return he will be fully assessed and monitored by the England men’s medical team to determine his availability for selection for Rothesay’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday 4 June.”Bethell’s injury now leaves England facing a tense wait just days before the start of a crucial domestic summer.