In a blow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 title aspirations, dynamic opener Phil Salt will miss the upcoming showdown with Delhi Capitals. The English wicketkeeper-batter, nursing an injury, sat out the win over Gujarat Titans and won’t recover in time for Monday’s fixture.
Salt’s contribution this season has been electric. Across six outings, he’s plundered 202 runs at a strike rate of 168, smashing two fifties and a best of 78. His explosive cameos alongside Virat Kohli have powered RCB to competitive starts, making his absence particularly painful.
Last game, replacement Jacob Bethell struggled, managing only 14 runs from 10 deliveries against Gujarat Titans. Yet, RCB’s overall form under captain Rajat Patidar is robust – five victories in seven matches highlight their consistency.
Reliving the Gujarat thriller: Titans set 206 after electing to bat first, losing just three wickets. RCB responded with poise. Kohli anchored with 81 off 44 (8×4, 4×6), while Padikkal’s 55 off 27 balls fueled a pivotal 115-run partnership. They sealed the chase in 18.5 overs, losing five wickets but never the plot.
Now, attention turns to Delhi Capitals, where RCB must adapt without Salt’s firepower. The team’s depth will be tested, but with Kohli in sublime touch and a winning habit, they remain favorites. Patidar’s tactical acumen could prove decisive as Bengaluru eyes a top-table spot.
