RCB Suffer Major Blow! Jacob Bethell Ruled Out Ahead Of IPL 2026 Playoffs

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have suffered a major setback ahead of the IPL 2026 Playoffs, as Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the tournament with a left-hand finger injury.

The young English batter injured his ring finger while diving to stop a boundary during RCB’s clash against the Punjab Kings on May 17. Bethell missed the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) game on May 23. The 22-year-old was Phil Salt’s backup, who had missed the last 8 matches for RCB due to a finger injury. Although Salt has returned to India and rejoined the franchise, he isn’t confirmed to play the Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans on May 26.

RCB Face Opening Dilemma After Jacob Bethell Injury Ahead Of IPL 2026 Playoffs

The RCB is now in trouble. Although Venkatesh Iyer did well against SRH, scoring 44 off 19 as the makeshift opener, going into the playoffs with just one permanent opener could be a massive risk.

“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,” RCB said in a statement.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru had fielded only three overseas players against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and can hardly afford to look understrength again in their biggest game of the season.

The franchise still has the option of Jordan Cox, a natural top-order batter, though he is yet to make his RCB or IPL debut. RCB could also continue with Venkatesh Iyer at the top or promote Devdutt Padikkal from No. 3 to the opening slot. They would’ve liked for Salt to be fit for selection. But there’s no guarantee just yet.

If not Salt, then Bethell continues, since he has played 7 matches. Yes, his performance hasn’t been great, but at least Bethell has got the experience behind him, which Venkatesh or Cox don’t. Removing Padikkal from number three, a position that he’s shone brightly in, isn’t a great option either.

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by K D Mishra May 23, 2026