Jacob Bethell fails to surpass expectations on IPL 2026 amidst Phil Salt’s absence

The contrast between Jacob Bethell's record-breaking T20 World Cup form and his current IPL 2026 struggle has become a crisis for the defending champions. Despite his status as an all-format international centurion, Bethell’s start to the season has been historically lean for an RCB opener. With Phil Salt, RCB averaged 58/1 in the first six overs; with Bethell, that average has dipped to 38/2, forcing Virat Kohli to play more conservatively to anchor the innings.

Meanwhile Phil Salt has returned to England to get scans on his finger injury.

He is expected to spend time with family in the UK while the finger heals. Both RCB and Salt are aiming for a return to India later in May, potentially for the playoff stage. Before being sidelined, Salt was

one of the most effective openers in the tournament, forming a high-impact partnership with Virat Kohli. Jacob Bethell took over the opening slot in his absence but has been underwhelming despite his starlit performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. Bethel has struggled to match Salt’s explosive starts, scoring only 39 runs in three innings so far. In Salt's absence, Jitesh Sharma has taken over the gloves and is the acting wicket-keeper for the team.

PHIL SALT HAS RETURNED TO UK FOR SCANS. [Espn Cricinfo] - He is having finger injury. RCB & Salt remain hopeful that the finger injury will be healed soon for his return back to India. pic.twitter.com/gxUuEWHvqC

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 4, 2026

Phil Salt’s injury to cause major blow to RCB’s campaign

Phil Salt’s finger injury is a significant blow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) because it removes their most explosive powerplay engine during their title defence. As of May 5, 2026, Salt is in the UK for specialised scans after missing RCB’s last three matches. Salt provided lightning-fast starts, scoring 202 runs in 6 innings at a blistering strike rate of 168.33. His replacement, Jacob Bethell, has struggled to find rhythm, managing only 39 runs in 3 innings. This has placed excessive pressure on Virat Kohli to anchor and accelerate simultaneously. Without Salt's aggression, Kohli has had to take more risks early in his innings, which led to a dip in his own scoring efficiency in recent games.

Salt (Right-hand) and Kohli (Right-hand) had a settled rhythm. While Bethell (Left-hand) adds a different dimension, the chemistry in the opening stand has noticeably stuttered. Recognising the psychological blow of losing their form opener, RCB management utilised a one-week break in their schedule to recharge. The franchise is refusing to name a permanent replacement player yet, holding out hope that the UK scans will clear Salt for a return by the playoffs starting from May 19.