Jacob Bethell injury - (Source: AFP)In a significant development, RCB have dealt a heavy blow as their star opener Jacob Bethell has been officially ruled out of IPL 2026. Notably, the injured star has returned to England because of a finger injury.RCB, on Saturday, took to social media platforms to confirm that the southpaw has returned to England to further assess his finger since the Three Lions have a key Test series in June.Jacob Bethell Returns To England, RCB Name No ReplacementFor the unversed, Jacob Bethell played 7 matches in IPL 2026 because of Phil Salt’s injury. Notably, he suffered the injury during RCB's match against Punjab Kings. Therefore, the 22-year-old missed out on RCB’s match against SRH due to a finger injury, as revealed by Rajat Patidar at the toss. Bethell will now miss the playoffs for the defending champions, who will next face the Gujarat Titans on May 26 at the Dharamshala stadium.“𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩: Jacob Bethell sustained an injury to his left ring finger during our game against PBKS. He will return to England to be assessed ahead of their Test series,” wrote RCB on their official Twitter handle.Royal Challengers Bengaluru @RCBTweets 🚨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩: Jacob Bethell sustained an injury to his left ring finger during our game against PBKS. He will return to England to be assessed ahead of their Test series. ❤️🩹 𝙶𝚎𝚝 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗, 𝙹𝙱! 🫂 𝚆𝚎’𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 May 23, 2026, 8:03 PM Also Read: Gautam Gambhir To Take Final Call On Sacking Suryakumar Yadav As India CaptainECB Recalls Bethell To England For New Zealand TestsNotably, England Cricket Board played a big role in Jacob Bethell returning home in the middle of IPL as they want their star player to be fit for the New Zealand Tests. Notably, the two heavyweights will lock horn for the first Test from June 4-8 at Lord's.Not just RCB, but England Cricket too posted a Tweet on X, where they explained that Bethell is getting assessed ahead of the first Test."The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League," ECB remarked."He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England Men’s medical team on his return to determine his availability for selection for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday 4 June," it added.England Cricket @englandcricket Official Statement - Jacob Bethell The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League. He will be fully May 23, 2026, 8:00 PM Jacob Bethell Doubtful For 1st Test vs New ZealandIn the latest events, a report from Cricbuzz stated that despite ECB recalling their star batter, Jacob Bethell is highly doubtful for the Lord's Test. At present, England have James Rew in the squad, who can open the innings for England.Further, the team can call the likes of Jordan Cox, who can open, but he too is currently associated with RCB and will fulfill his commitments till May 31 if RCB reach final.Phil Salt Too dealing With Finger InjuryIt is quite strange that both RCB openers that too from England have suffered a finger injury in this season. Notably, before Bethell, Phil Salt too have flown to England as he suffered a finger injury and missed around 7 matches for the defending champions.The good thing for RCB is that they won't miss Bethell because Phil Salt has retained full fitness and is all set to open the innings with Virat Kohli from qualifier 1.Also Read: Rajasthan Royals Hand Surprise IPL Opportunity To Patiala Star To Save Playoff Spot
