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

Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the rest of IPL 2026 after injuring his left ring finger while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The setback leaves RCB without a bat before Qualifier 1 as England prepare to assess him ahead of the first Test against New Zealand.

RCB were hit with injuries before the IPL playoffs. (PTI photo)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batsman Jacob Bethell has been ruled out for the rest of the Indian Premier League 2026. Bethell, who missed RCB’s last league match 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 IPL 2026 Playoff Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. Rajat Patidar’s side finished top of the table this season despite suffering a heavy defeat against SRH in their last match of the league stage.

Bethell was not part of this game after injuring his finger during RCB’s previous clash with Punjab Kings. A youngster was injured while diving to complete a catch in the field.

“Jacob Bethell sustained an injury on his left ring finger during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against Punjab Kings. After medical assessment, Jacob will return to England for further assessment ahead of the upcoming England 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 batsman Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining an injury to his left ring finger while playing in the Indian Premier League. Upon his return, he will be fully assessed and monitored by the England Men’s Medical Team to determine his availability for selection for the first Rothesay Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday 4 June.”

PHIL SALT COMES BACK FOR RCB

RCB will face Gujarat Titans in the first playoff match of this season. The team will cash in on the return of opener Phil Salt, who should slot straight into the side in the final stages of the tournament. In the previous game against RCB, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer opened the innings with the bat and scored a brisk 44 off just 19 balls. However, if Salt is fit, Iyer is expected to be sent down the order in their next game.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

23 May 2026 20:43 IST

‘, e.appendChild