Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been missing the services of their star opener, Phil Salt, for nearly a month now. In Salt’s absence, Jacob Bethell hasn’t carried forward his T20 World Cup form. While RCB need one more win to make into playoffs, they are still waiting on Salt who suffered a finger injury and went back to England for scans as well. After the six-wicket win in Raipur over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 13, skipper Rajat Patidar is hopeful of Salt’s return.
“I don't know, but I think he will come soon,” Patidar said in the post-match presentation when asked about an update on Salt’s availability.
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After struggling in T20 World Cup 2026, Salt regained form and scored 202 runs at an average of 33.66 and strike rate of 168.33. He scored a fifty each against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC).
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Bethell fails to convert so far
On the other hand, Bethell has two single-digit scores from six games. He hasn't been able to convert starts into big scores. The 22-year-old has managed to score just 85 runs at an average of 14.16 and strike rate of 121.42.
Bethell’s highest score of the season so far came against MI when he contributed with a run-a-ball 27 while Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Patidar were dismissed cheaply. He tried to stabilise the innings with Krunal Pandya but gave in to pressure. The young English southpaw was dismissed for 15 by KKR’s Kartik Tyagi with a short ball.
Do RCB have other opening options to shoulder burden with Kohli
If Salt isn’t fit for their next match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala on May 17, RCB do have options to replace Bethell. Among overseas players, another Englishman, Jordan Cox is waiting to make his IPL debut. He has been named as one of the five impact player options but yet to get a chance. RCB also have the option to promote Venkatesh Iyer to top. He has played the role for KKR earlier when he made his debut in 2021. Also, they can have Devdutt Padikkal at the top and have Iyer or Patidar at no.3.