Phil Salt IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)Lucknow Super Giants is set to host the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in their upcoming IPL 2026 match at the iconic Ekana Stadium today, May 7. As the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League reaches its business end, the anticipation is mounting higher than ever, with all 10 teams battling it hard to secure a definite spot in the playoffs. In the same context, Rajat Patidar-led RCB, which is chasing back-to-back championship titles, would hope to have all its key players fully fit and match-ready. However, the concerns still loom over opener Phil Salt, who was a standout performer in RCB’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2025. Thus, this article sheds light on the RCB batter’s injury update and availability ahead of the LSG vs RCB match today. What happened to Phil Salt?Phil Salt’s injury traces back to RCB’s home clash against Delhi Capitals.The wicketkeeper-batter is understood to have hurt a finger on his left hand while attempting a diving stop near the deep backward square leg boundary during the second innings. It was a routine fielding effort on most days, but this time it resulted in a serious injury that kept him out of multiple matches.Latest Update on RCB openerOn May 4, the English batter had returned to the UK for scans on the finger injury. Although RCB have not officially commented on the matter, it is expected that he returned to spend time with his family while sidelined and has undergone scans on his finger. Also read: Phil Salt Replacements At RCB- IPL Unsold Players Who Can Join Virat KohliBoth the player and the franchise remain hopeful that the injury will heal soon enough for Salt to return to India this month, with RCB aiming to defend the title they won for the first time last season.Will Phil Salt play against Lucknow Super Giants? As of now, Phil Salt is unlikely to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Lucknow Super Giants today, May 7. Salt had been one of RCB’s early positives this year, scoring 202 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 168.33 and consistently providing aggressive starts.With RCB favourites to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, Phil Salt’s presence in the final stages would have been a major boost. Thus, the timing of Salt's injury will be frustrating for the franchise. Who has replaced Salt in RCB Playing Xl?Moreover, Salt's absence has opened the door for his England teammate, Jacob Bethell, who had been warming the bench in the early games of the IPL 2026 season.While Bethell is yet to make an impact, scoring just 39 runs in three matches so far, his potential to explode is well known, even in subcontinental conditions, after his 45-ball century against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium.With RCB eyeing an opportunity to defend the title in 2026, Bethell has a chance to help the franchise achieve that, just as his teammate Salt helped RCB end its 18-year wait for the title in 2025.Also read: Virat Kohli's Ex-Teammate Passes Away In The Middle Of IPL 2026, Cricket Fraternity Stunned
