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Phil Salt’s selection remains uncertain as he is still under observation. Ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s first match of the IPL 2026 playoffs against Gujarat Titans, the defending champions will have to get their playing combination right.
The return of Phil Salt, who missed several group stage matches after playing the first six games of the tournament, has left the franchise in a dilemma. His availability provides a straightforward place for the team to choose a proper opener.
Who will be Virat Kohli’s opening partner?
During the absence of Phil Salt, RCB tried to settle their opening pair with a combination of Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethel, but it did not work. Before the play-offs, in their final group match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bengaluru’s opening combination was made up of Virat and Venkatesh Iyer. Venkatesh Iyer performed well as an opening batsman.
For Gujarat Titans match, who will open the innings with Virat, Venkatesh Iyer or Fit Salt? This has been the question before the match. The winner of the RCB vs GT match will directly book its spot in the final. So, it is clear that the teams will name their best possible playing combination somehow.
Rajat Patidar provides update on Phil Salt
Ahead of the match, Royal Challengers captain Rajat Patidar has revealed that opening batsman Phil Salt is close to returning from injury ahead of Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, but he has not taken a final decision on him yet. Patidar confirmed that Salt has resumed training activities, but the team management cannot take hasty decisions regarding his selection.
“Phil Salt is fit. He is under the doctor’s observation. He is participating in some practices, but we have not decided on our playing XI yet. We will look at the wicket and decide,” Rajat Patidar said in the pre-match press conference on Sunday.
Patidar stressed that the presence of Venkatesh Iyer in his team provides them with the balance and extra edge needed to defend the title. Patidar knows him since his younger days and is well aware of Venkatesh Iyer’s tough mentality. Keeping the batting combination a secret, Patidar mentioned that Iyer is capable of batting anywhere in the line-up.
“I have known Venky since childhood. He has a great attitude and is ready to bat in any order. He was the main player for KKR, but when he came here, he did not get many chances initially. He accepted it and made sure he was ready when the opportunity came.”
Bowling is our strength: Patidar
RCB bowlers had a bad day against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Even their best bowler of the season, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, had to pay the price. However, the captain points out that bowling is his main strength compared to batting.
Patidar said, “He is an experienced bowler. The last game did not go the way we wanted, but bowling is our strength and the way we bowl in the power play will be important. So we are looking for early wickets and that is what we have done so far. Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasik are doing the same. So we hope to continue the same process.”
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