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Jacob Bethell injured IPL 2026: IPL 2026 has now reached its most exciting and last stage, where the tough matches of the playoffs are going to start from May 26. But just before the start of this knockout stage, a very disappointing news has come out from the camp of defending champion Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The team’s young and aggressive English batsman Jacob Bethell has been completely ruled out of all the remaining matches of the tournament due to a serious finger injury. Due to the seriousness of the injury, Bethel has returned to England for his national commitments and rehabilitation process. This was the reason why he could not be a part of the playing XI even in the last league match played against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). How did the injury occur and what is the ECB’s plan? Jacob Bethel suffered this injury during the match played against Punjab Kings (PBKS). While fielding on the field, he dived to take a catch, due to which the ring finger of his left hand got injured. After medical examination, doctors have advised him rest and recovery. RCB official statement: "Jacob Bethel was injured during the match against Punjab Kings. Following a medical assessment, Jacobs is returning to the UK for further assessment ahead of England’s upcoming Test series."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also confirmed the matter. England has to play the first Test match against New Zealand at the historic ground of Lord’s from June 4. The final decision on whether Bethel will be able to be a part of this series or not will be taken only after his upcoming medical test to be held in the UK. There is also a big ‘good news’ for RCB. The RCB team led by captain Rajat Patidar may have lost their last league match against Hyderabad by 55 runs, but by topping the points table with 18 points, they have directly confirmed their place in Qualifier-1. In this great match to be held on 26th May, RCB will face Gujarat Titans (GT). Bethel’s exit at such a difficult time is definitely a blow for the team, but there is a big relief and good news for RCB fans. RCB’s most explosive opener Phil Salt has returned to the team fully fit. About a month ago, Salt was injured during the match against Delhi Capitals and returned home for treatment. Now he has joined the Bengaluru camp again and will be seen opening directly with Virat Kohli in the first qualifier match against Gujarat. Salt’s strong comeback will make RCB’s top order more lethal than ever. Venkatesh Iyer will handle the responsibility of the middle order. In the last match, when both Phil Salt and Jacob Bethel were not part of the team, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer started the innings with Virat Kohli. He showed his excellent form by playing a quick inning of 44 runs in just 19 balls. Now that Phil Salt is back, the team management can send Venkatesh Iyer to bat down the middle order. Iyer’s arrival in the middle-order will provide strong depth and strength to RCB’s batting, which can prove to be extremely beneficial for the team in the big knockout match against Gujarat Titans.