Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Jacob Bethell is set to head back to England to receive treatment for a left ring finger injury picked up during IPL 2026. The batter’s return also has major implications for RCB’s campaign in the final stages of the tournament.
Key takeaways
- Bethell will leave for the UK to manage a left ring finger problem sustained while playing IPL 2026.
- In IPL 2026, he managed 96 runs across seven appearances, averaging 13 and striking at 124.
- He had been brought into RCB’s XI after Phil Salt’s injury, replacing the England batter.
- Bethell is part of England’s Test squad for the New Zealand home series beginning June 4.
- His travel back to England means he will miss the IPL 2026 playoffs.
- RCB are scheduled to play Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, May 26, after finishing first in the league phase.
ECB confirms Bethell’s return and medical assessment
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials have confirmed that Bethell, a top-order batter for RCB, will return to the UK following the injury. The ECB release stated that the decision was made after Bethell sustained the left ring finger issue during his IPL duties.
Bethell is currently included in England’s Test plans for the match-up against New Zealand at home. That series begins on June 4, placing his rehabilitation and availability checks directly alongside England’s early preparations for the Test schedule.
The ECB also noted that on his return, Bethell will undergo full evaluation and be monitored by the England Men’s medical staff. That process is intended to determine whether he will be available for selection for the opening Test of the series—Rothesay first Test—at Lord’s, which starts on Thursday, June 4.
Salt returns, and Bethell’s absence impacts RCB’s playoffs
Before Bethell’s injury-related departure, he had stepped in for injured teammate Phil Salt at RCB. Since then, Salt has rejoined the Royal Challengers squad.
With Bethell travelling back to England, he will not be available for the IPL 2026 playoffs. RCB, meanwhile, are set for their next major fixture in the knockout phase: Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, May 26. RCB earned that match by finishing the league stage in first position.
