Salt returns to England for finger scans after IPL injury in 2026

Salt suffered a finger injury while fielding in RCB's April 18 match against Delhi Capitals and is now in England for scans.

Injury details remain private RCB have not disclosed the exact nature of Salt’s finger injury, but confirmed he damaged it on his left hand while diving to prevent a boundary at deep backward square leg during the sixth over of the second innings against Delhi Capitals on April 18. The incident occurred in their home defeat to DC. Salt had begun the season in strong form, accumulating 202 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 168.33. ## Salt undergoes scans in England Salt, who holds a central contract with the ECB, returned home at the request of England’s management and has since undergone scans on his injured finger. Both Salt and RCB remain hopeful the finger will heal in time for his return to India this month. The franchise is targeting a defense of the title they won for the first time last season. ## Bethell steps in at the top Salt’s absence has allowed Bethell, his international teammate, to open alongside Virat Kohli after beginning the season on the bench. Bethell has not yet made a notable impact, scoring 39 runs in three innings, but now appears set for more opportunities at the top order with Jordan Cox, another English batter, available as backup. RCB are still evaluating Salt’s recovery timeline. ## Replacement options remain open RCB would be permitted to sign a replacement for Salt under IPL regulations if the injury is ruled season-ending, but the team is expected to give him every chance to recover first. The timing of the injury has been particularly frustrating for Salt, who has praised RCB’s team culture under Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, and Dinesh Karthik. ## Salt finds form in IPL Salt had rediscovered his best form in the IPL after a lean T20 World Cup with England. He previously expressed high regard for RCB’s environment, calling it a key reason for his improved performance. His early-season contributions were vital before the injury disrupted his momentum ahead of the title defense. ## RCB team break before next match RCB are currently in a six-day break between games following their loss to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad last Thursday. Several players traveled to the Maldives for a mid-season break after that defeat. They return to action against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday night, with their recovery-focused schedule now in place.