Royal Challengers Bengaluru will lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders in an important IPL 2026 clash on Wednesday, May 13, in Raipur. The game is important from the perspective of both teams as RCB is eyeing a top-two finish in the points table and KKR is trying to stay alive and reach the playoffs from an all-win game position. Although RCB has gathered 14 points from 11 matches, finally winning a thriller against MI after consecutive losses, they have been missing the presence of Phil Salt. Phil Salt damaged a finger on his left hand diving to save a boundary against Delhi Capitals on April 18, 2026 and ever since he has missed five games for RCB. Although Jacob Bethel has taken his spot, due to Salt’s absence, the opening slot has looked topsy-turvy. Bethel has also not been able to be at his best form in IPL 2026; this has affected the triumph of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt's opening combination.

The injury happened earlier in the tournament, and after that, Salt went over to the United Kingdom for scans. Since then, there’s been no real official word on when he’s going to be back. There have been speculations of Salt recovering, but his absence from the missing training session ahead of the game has created doubts about whether he will be playing against his former team, KKR.

Journalist Sashank Kishore tweeted on this: “From RCB's training: No Salt. Romario didn't bat, just did some fitness & fielding. Venky Iyer had a long net. As did most of the other top order batters, including Kohli, Padikkal, Patidar, Jitesh & David. Krunal chose to rest.”

Varun Chakaravarthy too doubtful to play against RCB?

The mystery Spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, was seen limping and leaving the ground mid-game in KKR’s last game against DC. After that, he was also seen walking around with support with his leg, which has created doubts about his presence in Playing eleven against RCB in a must-win game.

KKR’s assistant coach Shane Watson shared an update that Varun is still under medical assistance and monitoring. KKR is keeping fingers crossed that they don’t miss out on a spinner in this crucial match.

“Varun Chakravarthy is still being monitored at the moment. Obviously, he’s been sore. In the last two games, he was in a lot of pain. Even though he still bowled incredibly well, to see where he started off in the season to where he’s ended up has been incredible to see. We’re just monitoring him at the moment. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he’ll be available for tomorrow, but we’re still not exactly sure,” he said.

KKR needs to win all their remaining 4 games to stay in contention for the playoffs, and RCB needs to win 2 matches to secure the top 2 spot.