Phil Salt IPL 2026 return (Source: AFP)The stage is set for a high-octane IPL 2026 clash at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face Mumbai Indians (MI). Notably, tonight’s RCB vs MI fixture has been one of the most anticipated rivalries in IPL history, often witnessing blistering strokeplay and high-pressure finishes. However, as both teams arrive in Raipur, it will be interesting to see whether RCB’s match-winner Phil Salt returns to action or not. Why is Phil Salt Not Playing IPL 2026? Latest Update on RCB BatterNotably, Phil Salt has been a noticeable absentee from the RCB top order in recent fixtures. The English cricketer, known for his unstoppable approach during the powerplay, has been sidelined due to a persistent finger injury sustained during a diving effort in RCB’s home clash against Delhi Capitals earlier this month. Presently, the RCB management has been tight-lipped about the exact recovery timeline, opting for a cautious approach to ensure their star opener doesn't aggravate the issue. Also read: Phil Salt Replacements At RCB- IPL Unsold Players Who Can Join Virat KohliHis absence has left a void at the top of the order, stripping RCB of the blistering starts that characterized their early-season success. Without Salt’s aggression, the burden of scoring has fallen heavily on the middle order, often leaving the team struggling to post above-par totals.Moreover, his countryman Jacob Bethell, who replaced Salt in RCB playing XI, has also struggled to fill the void, scoring only 43 runs in four innings. Stepping into the opening role alongside Virat Kohli, Bethell has been unable to match the explosive start (168.33 strike rate) Salt provided before returning to England for a finger injury.Will Phil Salt Play Against MI in Raipur?The big question remains: Will Phil Salt make his return against Mumbai Indians? Speaking on Cricbuzz, prominent broadcaster Joy Bhattacharya stated that Salt had returned to India. However, RCB have yet to release an official statement on his availability for the upcoming match against Mumbai Indians. Therefore, Salt is unlikely to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians in today's IPL 2026 match in Raipur, as reports indicate he remains unavailable due to the injury. Moreover, Jacob Bethell is expected to continue filling in for him at the top of the orderThe Recent Slump in RCB’s IPL 2026 CampaignSalt’s comeback is very important for the defending champions, who wish to halt their worrying slump. After a strong start to the season, Bengaluru has faced a string of narrow defeats, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. RCB have experienced a dip in form during the second half of the IPL 2026 season, suffering back-to-back losses against the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants.Fast-forward to the current standings, and RCB finds itself in a precarious position where every match is essentially a knockout. The lack of a stable opening partnership has been the ‘Achilles' heel’ of their recent performances. Whether Salt plays or not, RCB must find a way to rediscover their invincible form in Raipur, a new home for the franchise.Also read: Mumbai Indians Share Worrying Hardik Pandya Injury Update Ahead Of MI vs RCB IPL Clash
