RCB player Jacob Bethell and captain Rajat Patidar (ANI Image)
Jacob Bethell has cut short his IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after suffering a finger injury, creating a fresh worry for the England Cricket Team ahead of the upcoming Test series against the New Zealand Cricket Team.The 22-year-old missed RCB’s final match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, along with the captain.
Rajat Patidar
Confirming after the game that Bethel injured his finger.
Despite suffering a heavy 55-run defeat to SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Bengaluru finished the league stage at the top of the IPL 2026 table and secured a place in Qualifier 1. RCB are now scheduled to take on Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala on Tuesday.Bethell appeared in seven matches during the campaign, scoring 96 runs while providing depth to RCB’s batting unit.However, the biggest concern now surrounds his availability for England’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on June 4.
Bethel has emerged as a strong contender to bat at number three after impressing during the Ashes match earlier this year, including a brilliant century against Australia in January.The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday that Bethel will return home for further medical assessment.“The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batsman Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining an injury to his left ring finger while playing in the Indian Premier League,” the ECB said in a statement.
The board also revealed that the England medical team will closely monitor the young player before making a decision on his readiness for the Lord’s Test.“He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England men’s medical team upon his return to determine his readiness for selection in Rothesay’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday 4 June.”Bethel’s injury now leaves England facing an anxious wait just days before the crucial start of the summer at home.