RCB Suffer Massive Injury Blow Ahead of IPL 2026 Playoffs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have suffered a major setback just days before the IPL 2026 playoffs after their star batter Jacob Bethell has been ruled out with an injury. The youngster, who had become an important part of RCB’s batting unit during the second half of the season, won't be able to continue in the tournament.

The timing comes as a huge concern for RCB, especially with the franchise set to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala after securing a top-two finish in the league stage.

Jacob Bethell Leaves IPL 2026 Ahead of Qualifier 1

The England and Wales Cricket Board officially confirmed that Bethell will travel back to the UK for further assessment under the England men’s medical team. According to the statement, the 21-year-old sustained a left ring finger injury while playing in the IPL and will now be monitored ahead of England’s medical team ahead of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s starting June 4.

Jacob Bethell injury will mean that RCB will be a batter short for the remaining tournament. The left-handed batter also missed RCB's last league match against SRH and Venkatesh Iyer opened alongside Virat Kohli.

More to follow…