IPL 2026: Jacob Bethell ruled out with injury, to be further assessed ahead of NZ Tests
Jacob Bethell (Source: Instagram/royalchallengers.bengaluru)
Published - 23 May 2026, 06:44 PM• Read time - 2 mins
England batter Jacob Bethell will be flying back to his country from the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) after sustaining a left ring finger injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Saturday, May 23. Bethell suffered the injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala.
Following medical assessment, it was decided that Bethell would be flying back to England to be further assessed and monitored by the England Men’s medical team. His fitness will be further determined for the first Test of the upcoming series against New Zealand, beginning on June 4.
“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 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,” informed ECB through a post on their X account.
Official Statement - Jacob Bethell
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 23, 2026
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… pic.twitter.com/ruEFdDPIqf
After warming the bench for the first half of the season, Bethell finally got his first opportunity to play against Gujarat Titans (GT), replacing his compatriot Philip Salt at the top of the order, who also returned to England due to an injury. However, Bethell failed to make an impact with the bat, scoring just 96 runs from seven innings with a highest score of 27.
Iyer opens in place of Bethell
In his place, the RCB management promoted Venkatesh Iyer to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli during their last league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Iyer took the opportunity with both hands, scoring a quick-fire 44 (19), with the help of four fours and as many sixes in his innings. Meanwhile, with Bethell now ruled out and no clarity on Salt’s return, Iyer is likely to continue opening in the Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 26.
