RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's opener Jacob Bethell has exited the rest of the season. Bethell, who missed their last clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, will fly to England to further investigate the injury before launching their international duties. This development comes as the Rajat Patidar-led side gears up for the first qualifier against the Gujarat Titans in the ongoing season. They dominate the points table, even after crashing against the Pat Cummins-led side by a huge margin during their last group stage match.
Bethell vanished from the lineup after sustaining a finger injury in their clash against the Shreyas Iyer-led side. He endured the injury while diving to snag a catch.
"Jacob Bethell has sustained an injury to his left ring finger during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against Punjab Kings. Following medical assessment, Jacob will return to England for further evaluation ahead of England’s upcoming Test series," a statement has been released by the Bengaluru-based franchise.
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The ECB has also confirmed this and announced it has finalized an agreement with the Bengaluru-based franchise regarding his release.
"The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bengaluru that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while competing in the Indian Premier League. He will be fully evaluated and monitored by the England Men’s medical team upon arrival to determine his eligibility for selection for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday, June 4," a statement released by ECB said.
PHIL SALT RETURNS FOR RCB
The Rajat Patidar-led side will face the Gujarat-based franchise in the first playoff, which determines direct entry to the IPL 2026 final. Salt's return boosts RCB's lineup; if declared fit, Salt will open, and Iyer will bat lower, increasing their chances of advancing.