Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to receive a timely boost as English opener Phil Salt is expected to return to India later this week and rejoin the squad ahead of the IPL 2026 playoff stage, according to the latest report.
Salt last featured for RCB on April 18 against Delhi Capitals, when a finger injury sustained while fielding forced him off the field and eventually back to England for further assessment and rehabilitation.
In his absence, fellow Englishman Jacob Bethell has stepped up as Virat Kohli’s opening partner but has found runs hard to come by, managing only 96 runs across seven games with a top score of 27.
Salt’s return could not come at a better time. Before his injury, the wicketkeeper-batter had been in superb form, amassing 202 runs in just six games at a blistering strike rate of 168.33, including two half-centuries.
RCB, meanwhile, have been in dominant form during Salt’s absence. The defending champions were the first team to seal a playoff berth in IPL 2026, having won nine of their 13 matches. Sitting atop the points table with 18 points, they are set to feature in Qualifier 1.
RCB’s next assignment is against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, a clash that could set the tone for their title defence.
