The England star is reported to have suffered a finger injury and has now flown back to the United Kingdom (UK).
In his absence, Jacob Bethell has taken over the opening duties alongside Virat Kohli.
Cricket News provides the latest on Salt's injury update and possible return date as RCB remain favourites to secure a playoff spot.
Why is Phil Salt not playing IPL 2026 matches for RCB?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru opening batter Phil Salt has missed IPL 2026 matches since the April 18Â match against Delhi Capitals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The exact reason for his absence was initially unclear but the latest ESPNcricinfo reported that he has returned to the UK for scans on his finger injury.
The report added that Salt had "damaged a finger on his left hand while diving to save a boundary at deep backward square leg in the sixth over of the second innings during their defeat at home to the Delhi Capitals on April 18."
Q&A
What injury did Phil Salt suffer that caused him to leave IPL 2026?
Phil Salt suffered a finger injury, which led to his absence from IPL 2026 matches.
When did Phil Salt last play in IPL 2026?
Phil Salt last played in IPL 2026 on April 18 against the Delhi Capitals.
Who is replacing Phil Salt in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru lineup?
Jacob Bethell has taken over the opening duties alongside Virat Kohli in Phil Salt's absence.
What are the implications of Phil Salt's injury for RCB's playoff chances?
Phil Salt's injury could impact RCB's performance, but they remain favorites to secure a playoff spot.
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Salt featured in six matches for RCB this season, scoring 202 runs at an average of 33.66 and 168.33 strike-rate with a high score of 78 against the Mumbai Indians.
Why did Phil Salt leave for the UK and not get treated in India?
ESPNcricinfo reported further that, since Phil Salt is centrally contracted by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the England management requested that he return home to undergo scans on his finger.
IPL 2026: Possible return date for Phil Salt after finger injury
With RCB favourites to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, Phil Saltâs presence in the final stages would be a major boost. While RCB has not confirmed a return date yet, both Salt and the franchise remain optimistic that he will return to India later this month.
Can RCB sign an injury replacement for Phil Salt in IPL 2026?
Yes, RCB can sign an injury replacement if Phil Salt is ruled out of the IPL 2026 season.
The Cricket News Opinion: Phil Salt's injury has opened doors for Jacob Bethell at RCB
Phil Salt's absence has disrupted RCB's settled opening combination with Virat Kohli, forcing a reshuffle at a crucial stage of the season.
That has opened the door for his England teammate, Jacob Bethell, who had been warming the bench in the early games of the IPL 2026 season.
While Bethell is yet to make an impact, scoring just 39 runs in three matches so far, his potential to explode is well known, even in subcontinental conditions, after his 45-ball century against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium.
With RCB eyeing an opportunity to defend the title in 2026, Bethell has a chance to help the franchise achieve that, just as his teammate Salt helped RCB end its 18-year wait for the title in 2025.
Can RCB defend their IPL title in Phil Salt's absence? To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our***Facebook***, ***InstagramandX (Twitter)***pages.
