The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are once again favourites to win the Indian Premier League (IPL). With their bowling group firing, RCB have one of the most settled groups. That’s the reason why they became the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season. Now, they will soon get their destructive batter back. Phil Salt, who has missed seven games for RCB, will join the team later this week.
Salt is the man who has turned RCB’s powerplay batting into pure violence alongside Virat Kohli. His destructive best has allowed Kohli to play his natural game, as the two complement each other so well. Their opening pair had become one of the biggest reasons behind RCB’s stunning rise this season before the injury interrupted things. Now, with the IPL playoffs about to begin from next week, the Rajat Patidar-led side will be bolstered furthermore.
Salt had injured his left hand while diving near the boundary against Delhi Capitals on April 18. He hasn’t played since and had flown back home during recovery. But now, with the business end of the tournament arriving, RCB are set to welcome back Salt, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Why Salt’s return matters so much for RCB
Ever since RCB signed Salt, the opening stand of the team has played a major part in their success. Kohli is more aggressive version of himself, while Salt just explodes. The Englishman’s ultra-aggressiveness often allows Kohli to settle into chases without having to force the pace early on. It has made RCB’s batting look less dependent on individual brilliance and more structured.
Best opening partnerships since IPL 2025
| Opening Pair | Runs | Average | Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaiswal – Sooryavanshi (RR) | 1011 | 50.55 | 12.1 |
| Abhishek – Head (SRH) | 1156 | 46.24 | 12.04 |
| Arya – Prabhsimran (PBKS) | 1027 | 35.41 | 10.88 |
| Kohli – Phil Salt (RCB) | 792 | 41.68 | 10.21 |
| Rickelton – Rohit (MI) | 890 | 46.84 | 10.2 |
Despite Salt missing several matches, the pair still remain among the tournament’s best opening combinations statistically.
In his absence, Jacob Bethell struggled to cement his spot. The youngster managed just 96 runs in seven innings, with a highest score of 27. In the last game when Rajat Patidar had to miss due to an injury, RCB tried Venkatesh Iyer and his unbeaten 73 against Punjab Kings has complicated team selection a bit. But if Salt is fit, RCB know exactly what he offers.
He is one of the few batters in world cricket capable of completely breaking a powerplay open within 15 balls. And on flatter wickets, that becomes incredibly valuable. There’s more good news for RCB.
Captain Rajat Patidar, who missed the Punjab Kings clash after getting hit on the helmet by a Kartik Tyagi bouncer, is also expected to return against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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