Jacob Bethell, 22, injured his left ring finger while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), forcing him to miss RCB’s IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22, 2026 [1, 2]. RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed Bethell’s finger damage as the reason for his absence in that game [2].
Bethell will return to the UK for a full medical assessment and ongoing monitoring by the England men's medical team ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand [2]. The first Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on June 4, 2026, where Bethell is expected to bat at number three [1, 2]. This leaves less than two weeks between the IPL final on May 31, in which RCB will compete, and England’s first Test [1, 2].
Bethell has had limited recent experience in red-ball cricket, with just one County Championship appearance since August 2024 [1]. He originally joined the RCB squad as cover for injured England teammate Phil Salt [1].
The injury comes amid changes to England’s batting line-up following their Ashes defeat. Emilio Gay is set to debut at the top order while Zak Crawley has been omitted for the first Test against New Zealand [1]. James Rew is included in the squad as batting cover and would benefit if Bethell’s injury rules him out [1, 2].
Former England captain Alastair Cook criticized Bethell’s IPL involvement, saying, “He’s not doing anything. Ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England.” However, former England star Kevin Pietersen defended Bethell’s time in the IPL: “Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it’s like to be in the IPL... Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you’re not playing, you’re learning and will be a way better player.” [1]
RCB’s IPL final is set for May 31, after which Bethell will head back to England for his injury review [1, 2]. The England coaching and medical staff will closely monitor his fitness as the Test series against New Zealand approaches on June 4 [2]. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals player Jofra Archer will miss the Lord’s Test and target the second Test at the Oval [2].
