Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to go into their next IPL 2026 fixture against Delhi Capitals without Phil Salt, with Dinesh Karthik confirming that the England opener is still dealing with an injury and is not available for selection. Salt also missed RCB’s previous outing versus Gujarat Titans, and Karthik’s latest update effectively rules out any quick return ahead of the Delhi game.
What Dinesh Karthik said on Phil Salt’s availability
Speaking ahead of RCB’s clash with Delhi Capitals, Dinesh Karthik confirmed that Salt has not recovered in time for the April 27 match. The former India wicketkeeper and RCB mentor described Salt as “injured for the moment,” bringing clarity to the question of whether the opener could be back for the next assignment.
How Salt’s absence reshapes RCB’s top-order plans
The news carries weight for RCB because Salt has been a key part of their preferred opening setup this season. His batting role has been consistent at the top of the order—taking on the new ball, forcing pressure during the powerplay, and creating space for Virat Kohli to either settle in or take charge depending on how the chase or innings develops.
- Salt’s attacking approach has been central to how RCB aim to start their innings in the early overs.
- He is also a wicketkeeper-batter, though RCB have been able to cover that balance in the XI when needed.
- The bigger disruption comes at the very top, where his intent and rhythm help set the tone for Kohli’s role.
When RCB last lost Salt to injury and what happened in his absence
Salt’s unavailability first became clear during RCB’s encounter with Gujarat Titans on April 24. At the toss, captain Rajat Patidar confirmed that the England opener was injured and therefore unavailable. Jacob Bethell was named as Salt’s replacement, and Bethell opened the batting alongside Virat Kohli.
- The match began with Bethell replacing Salt, with Kohli as the other opener.
- RCB went on to win that game against Gujarat Titans by five wickets.
- Kohli led the chase with an unbeaten 81.
- Bethell contributed 14 runs while playing in Salt’s role.
RCB managed the win without Salt, but the fact that he is still sidelined means the question of who opens—and how RCB replicate that initial pressure—remains open heading into the Delhi Capitals game.
Stats, head-to-head impact, and the timeline ahead of DC
Salt has been a steady performer for RCB in IPL 2026, scoring 202 runs across six matches at an average of 33.66 and a strike rate of 168.33. Those returns reflect his value not just as an overseas selection, but specifically as a powerplay batter capable of accelerating the innings from the start.
RCB’s upcoming match against Delhi Capitals will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 27, and it will be their second consecutive game without Salt, unless there is an unexpected late change. Karthik’s confirmation suggests that scenario is unlikely at this stage.
Salt had also made an impact in RCB’s earlier meeting with Delhi this season, scoring 63. With him out of the return fixture, RCB will be missing a batter who had already delivered in that head-to-head context.
- Salt’s IPL 2026 output: 202 runs in six matches, average 33.66, strike rate 168.33.
- RCB vs Delhi is scheduled for April 27 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
- Salt will miss a second straight match, barring a rare late revision from the franchise.
- He scored 63 in RCB’s earlier match against Delhi this season.
RCB have not yet provided a recovery timetable for Salt. There is also no official indication of whether the injury is minor or whether he might miss further games beyond the Delhi Capitals fixture. For now, Karthik’s message is clear: Salt remains injured and will not play RCB’s next match.
