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