IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have seized a huge boost before the IPL 2026 playoffs as star opener Phil Salt will likely rejoin the team after spending almost a month sidelined by injury. According to ESPNCricinfo, Salt is poised to return to India later this week, after recovering from a finger injury sustained in their IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals last month. He damaged his left hand while diving to stop the ball from racing to the boundary. Salt has stayed off the field for Bengaluru since that match, traveling home to recover and connect with his family.
Salt rejoining the squad arrives at a perfect moment for the Rajat Patidar-led side, who are pushing to finish the group stage strongly and secure Qualifier 1. Before his injury, he dominated as an opener alongside Virat Kohli.
After playing just six matches this season, he has smashed 202 runs at a staggering average of 33.67 and has powered the team with fast starts in the powerplay.
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His aggressive batting, paired with Kohli's consistent displays, has transformed them into one of the most dangerous opening pairs this year.
The youngster, Jacob Bethell, stepped in as an opener alongside Kohli. But he has struggled to accumulate runs. After featuring in seven matches so far, he has managed just 96 runs at a poor average of 13.71 and failed to capitalize on his opportunities as an opener.
If Salt skips their last group-stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bethell will join Kohli at the top. But when the playoffs launch, Salt will slot back into the XI unless he hasn't fully recovered.
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The reigning champions, led by Rajat Patidar, currently top the points table with nine wins in 13 matches. If they defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final group game, they secure a place in Qualifier 1, offering them two chances to reach the final. Success in Dharamshala would repeat their previous performance at the venue, which is crucial to their playoff ambitions.