Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has revealed that Phil Salt is close to returning for Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. Moreover, the England opener has resumed training and is taking part in drills with the squad. The clash is set to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday, May 26.
Additionally, RCB enter the match at the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 18 points from 14 games. A win on Tuesday will hand them a direct ticket to the final. Therefore, Salt’s possible return could prove to be the biggest twist of the night.
Rajat Patidar Fresh Update on Phil Salt’s Fitness Ahead of Qualifier 1
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Patidar confirmed that Salt remains under medical observation. However, the England batter has resumed full training and is taking part in fielding and batting drills. According to Patidar, Salt is fit but the final call on his inclusion will depend on the pitch and conditions.
Furthermore, RCB management has chosen to delay the call on the playing XI until match day. As a result, the toss could be the moment fans get a clear update. Notably, Patidar also refused to confirm whether Salt will walk back in at the top of the order.
Why Phil Salt’s Return Matters for RCB in IPL 2026 Playoffs
Phil Salt’s possible comeback could change the entire tone of RCB’s batting unit. Before his injury, the England opener was one of the most destructive players in IPL 2026. He hammered 202 runs in six matches at an explosive strike rate before flying back to England with a finger injury.
Additionally, his powerplay starts alongside Virat Kohli proved a massive weapon during the league phase. Consequently, his absence left a clear void at the top throughout RCB’s run to the top of the standings. Therefore, his return for Qualifier 1 could restore RCB’s preferred batting blueprint at the perfect moment.
How Phil Salt Got Injured and What Happened Next
Salt picked up a left finger injury during RCB’s clash against Delhi Capitals on April 18. He returned to England for scans and treatment shortly after the match. The injury kept him out of eight matches for the Bengaluru side during a crucial league phase. However, he has now rejoined the RCB camp ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Furthermore, RCB suffered another setback after Jacob Bethell injured his left ring finger against Punjab Kings. Bethell was also forced to sit out the final league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which RCB lost.
Venkatesh Iyer Could Be the Big Loser If Phil Salt Returns
Venkatesh Iyer has stepped up impressively during RCB’s batting reshuffle in recent weeks. Notably, he opened against SRH and smashed a rapid 44 off just 19 balls in the 256-run chase. Therefore, if Salt is declared fully fit for Qualifier 1, Venkatesh is likely to drop back into the middle order.
Patidar praised Venkatesh’s adaptability and called him a player ready to bat anywhere in the order. In contrast, RCB will lean on Venkatesh’s all-round value, including his bowling option in middle overs. Subsequently, the final RCB XI will only be locked in once the playing surface is read by the captain and coaches.
