Opener recovering from finger injury, availability for SRH clash still uncertain
Phil Salt is expected to return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad later this week after recovering from a finger injury that has kept him out for more than a month.
Salt injured a finger on his left hand while attempting to stop a boundary during RCB’s defeat to Delhi Capitals on April 18. The England opener subsequently returned home to spend time with his family while completing his recovery.
RCB have performed strongly in his absence, already securing a playoff berth and moving close to a top-two finish that would guarantee a place in Qualifier 1. However, the franchise is unlikely to rush Salt back before he is fully fit, leaving his availability for Friday’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad uncertain.
Salt’s absence opened the door for fellow England batter Jacob Bethell to partner Virat Kohli at the top of the order. But Bethell has struggled to cement his place, managing only 96 runs in seven innings with a highest score of 27.
RCB now face an interesting selection headache after Venkatesh Iyer impressed with an unbeaten 73 in the recent win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.
Meanwhile, captain Rajat Patidar is also nearing a return after missing the previous game following a blow to the helmet from a sharp delivery by Kartik Tyagi during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma said Patidar was “doing really well” and is expected to rejoin the side for the Hyderabad fixture, potentially creating a tough selection dilemma for RCB ahead of the playoffs.
