Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s all-rounder Jacob Bethell will miss the rest of the IPL 2026 due to a left ring finger injury sustained during a match against Punjab Kings. He will head home for further evaluation. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news, mentioning that Bethell’s fitness for England’s first Test against New Zealand on June 4 will be assessed.
Bethell, who has been batting alongside Virat Kohli in recent games, struggled with form, scoring only 96 runs in seven matches. He missed RCB’s last league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad due to the same injury, with Venkatesh Iyer taking his place at the top of the order. RCB expressed well wishes for Bethell’s recovery and rehabilitation process as he prepares for England’s upcoming Test series.
Defending champions RCB have secured a spot in the playoffs and will face Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26. The winner of this match will advance directly to the final scheduled for May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
