Phil Salt set for RCB return ahead of IPL playoffs

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 20, 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received a timely boost ahead of the IPL playoffs, with England opener Phil Salt set to return to India later this week after spending a month on the sidelines with a finger injury.

Salt injured a finger on his left hand while attempting a boundary save during RCB’s defeat to Delhi Capitals on April 18 and has not played since.

He had returned home last month to recover and spend time with his family. Despite his absence, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured a playoff spot and are close to sealing a place in Qualifier 1.

However, the franchise is expected to be cautious with Salt’s comeback and may avoid rushing him into Friday’s league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Salt’s England teammate Jacob Bethell has filled in as opener alongside Virat Kohli but has struggled for form, scoring just 96 runs in seven innings.

Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer strengthened his case with an unbeaten 73 in RCB’s win over Punjab Kings.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who missed the last game after being struck on the helmet, is also expected to return, giving the team a welcome selection headache ahead of the playoffs.