Big blow to RCB as star batter ruled out of IPL 2026 playoffs due to injury

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs as young England batter Jacob Bethell has officially been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury.

The left-handed batter sustained a finger injury during RCB’s league-stage clash against Punjab Kings on May 17 and will now return to England for further assessment.

Jacob Bethell ruled out of IPL 2026 playoffs

According to an official release from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Bethell suffered an injury to his left finger and will now be monitored by England’s medical team upon his return home.

The injury had already forced him to miss RCB’s final league-stage fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.

The ECB release further stated that his availability for England’s first Test against New Zealand national cricket team at Lord’s, beginning on June 4, will be decided after medical evaluation.

Bethell featured in seven matches for RCB during IPL 2026 and scored 96 runs while playing several impactful cameos in the middle order.

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His absence now comes as a significant blow for the defending champions just before the knockout stage begins.

However, RCB have received some relief elsewhere as opener Phil Salt has rejoined the squad after recovering from his own finger injury.

In Bethell’s absence during the SRH clash, RCB opened with Venkatesh Iyer, who impressed with a quickfire 44 off just 19 deliveries.

RCB set to face GT in Qualifier 1

Despite losing their final league-stage game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to finish at the top of the IPL 2026 points table.

RCB ended the league phase with nine wins and five defeats and secured the number one spot due to their superior net run rate.

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The team is now set to take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 26 at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.

With a direct spot in the final on the line, RCB will now hope their remaining batting unit can step up in Bethell’s absence during the crucial playoff encounter.