England opening batter Phil Salt has returned to India to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for the remainder of IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter had earlier flown back to England for medical scans after suffering a finger injury while fielding against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next face the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Raipur on Sunday, May 10. The Rajat Patidar-led side recently suffered consecutive defeats but still has a strong chance to move to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with a victory over the Mumbai Indians, who are in ninth place in the standings.
Phil Salt Has Arrived in India – Former KKR Director Joy Bhattacharya
Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) director Joy Bhattacharya spoke about the excitement surrounding the return of Phil Salt to India. He revealed that broadcasters and fans were closely following social media updates to confirm the opener’s arrival ahead of the crucial stage of IPL 2026.
“From our production team to everyone is running after social media to see where is Phil Salt. So Phil Salt has arrived in India,” Joy Bhattacharya said on Cricbuzz.
Phil Salt has arrived in India. 🔥
– Joy Bhattacharya ( Source – Cricbuzz ) pic.twitter.com/bbQQkdFx9s
— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) May 10, 2026
it’s over for the league, the don is back😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/fEFQFMdMtq
— sir jacob bethell era (@bet_helll) May 10, 2026
Several overseas cricketers have recently returned home for medical assessments during IPL 2026. Pat Cummins had also left the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad earlier to seek clearance from Cricket Australia after undergoing scans.
Will Phil Salt March Move to Raipur or Not? – Joy Bhattacharya
Joy Bhattacharya further discussed the possible impact of Phil Salt returning to the playing XI for the crucial stage of IPL 2026. He added that Salt’s availability for the upcoming match in Raipur could provide a major boost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the playoff race intensifies.
“Will Salt march move to Raipur or not is the question. If he reaches Raipur, I think if Phil Salt is there, it’ll give a huge boost to the team,” Bhattacharya added.
Salt was enjoying an impressive IPL season before suffering the finger injury. He scored 202 runs in six innings at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 168.33. The England and Wales Cricket Board asked him to return home for medical assessment, forcing him to miss recent matches for the Royal Challengers.
Phil Salt’s Return Could Put Pressure on Jacob Bethell and Jitesh Sharma
Jacob Bethell entered the playing XI after Phil Salt suffered a finger injury. However, the left-handed batter has struggled to make an impact, scoring 14, 20, 5, and 4 to manage just 43 runs in four matches while opening the innings.
Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma has failed to reproduce last season’s form, scoring only 64 runs across eight innings at a disappointing average of 8 and a strike rate of 108.47.
The wicketkeeper-batter managed just 1 off 3 balls against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), raising fresh questions over his place in the side. Phil Salt could resume wicketkeeping duties if declared fit to play. Bethell can be demoted in the batting order if Salt returns to the playing XI.
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