The IPL 2026 is into its final week of the league stage, with all teams having featured in at least 13 matches and two in 14.
Three slots for the playoffs have been confirmed, booked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Of the teams remaining in contention for the last playoff spot, one is Punjab Kings (PBKS), who were at the top of the points table for over half of the league stage.
Friday evening will see a clash of two of the most aggressive batting lineups in IPL 2026 as SRH hosts RCB. Although both teams have qualified for the next round of the tournament, both teams will be vying for a top two spot.
Finishing in the top two positions in the league stage gives those teams an extra opportunity to fail, while those finishing in the third and fourth positions will head straight for knockout matches.
While RCB have been clinical in earning their 18 points, they have not been able to field their best XI for the past month.
It’s been over a month since Phil Salt took the field in IPL 2026. The dynamic England opener has been out of action since April 18 due to a finger injury.
The question now remains whether Salt will be available for RCB’s last league stage match against SRH in Hyderabad.
SRH vs RCB: Will Phil Salt Play Against Sunrisers In RCB’s Last League Match Before Playoffs?
Salt has rejoined the RCB squad in India ahead of RCB’s last league stage match against SRH. However, he is unlikely to play as he will land in India very close to the match.
Salt injured a finger on his left hand while fielding during a game against Delhi Capitals on April 18. After that, he flew back to England to get scans and stayed there as his finger healed.
Although RCB have been consistent even in Salt’s absence, his replacement, compatriot Jacob Bethell, has flattered to deceive. The left-hander has managed to score 96 runs in 7 outings with a highest score of 27.
Before getting injured, Salt had plundered 202 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 168, including two fifties.
Meanwhile, RCB are also fretting over the fitness of captain Rajat Patidar. Patidar missed RCB’s previous clash against Punjab as he was hit by a sharp bouncer from KKR pacer Kartik Tyagi earlier. Jitesh Sharma held the role of RCB’s stand-in captain against PBKS. Jitesh later said that Patidar was “doing really well” and would turn up against SRH.
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