England's Phil Salt is eagerly anticipating his upcoming stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), after being bought by the franchise for a substantial INR 11.50 crore. The competitive bidding war between RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for his signature reflects the value placed on Salt's explosive batting skills and his potential impact on the RCB squad. This marks a new chapter in Salt’s IPL career, following his previous seasons with Delhi Capitals (DC) and KKR, where he impressed with his performances at the top of the order. Now, as he prepares to join the Bangalore-based team, he is excited about the opportunity to play alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket, particularly Virat Kohli, one of RCB’s most iconic players.
In a candid conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Salt spoke about his immense respect for Kohli, emphasizing their past interactions on the field, which often involved light-hearted exchanges and a shared sense of camaraderie. Kohli has been a part of RCB since its inception in 2008 and has helped shape the franchise's identity over the years. Salt expressed that he’s looking forward to not just sharing the dressing room with Kohli but also learning from his experience and leadership. The opportunity to play alongside a player of Kohli’s caliber is something Salt is deeply excited about, particularly as they are both aggressive, attacking players in their own right.
Salt also shared his admiration for RCB’s unique style of play, which has always been characterized by a fearless, high-octane brand of cricket. He reflected on his own IPL watching experiences, recalling that whenever RCB was on the field, it was a game he made sure to tune into, such was the excitement and energy the team generated. The team’s top-tier batting line-up, led by Kohli and supported by powerful hitters like Glenn Maxwell, has often been the talk of the tournament. Salt appreciated how RCB’s strategy has always been about going all out on the attack, regardless of the situation, making them one of the most entertaining teams to watch.
Beyond Kohli and the team’s aggressive approach, Salt also expressed enthusiasm about RCB’s coaching staff, particularly the work of director of cricket Andy Flower and Mo Bobat. Having interacted with both before, Salt pointed out that they share a similar mindset about the game, with a focus on strategy and player development. He expressed confidence that under their guidance, he would not only be able to perform to the best of his abilities but also grow as a cricketer. Salt was keen to highlight that RCB’s coaching track record speaks for itself, and he’s excited about the opportunity to be part of a franchise with such a strong and effective backroom setup.
Salt has already demonstrated his potential in the IPL, amassing 653 runs from 21 matches at an average of 34.36 and a blistering strike rate of 173.53. His explosive batting style has seen him shine at the top of the order, and his partnership with Sunil Narine at KKR during the 2024 IPL was instrumental in their successful title run. Salt’s ability to provide a quick-fire start at the top has made him a valuable asset in T20 cricket, and his transition to RCB is expected to further strengthen their batting depth.
For Salt, joining RCB represents not just a career move, but an opportunity to challenge himself in a new environment with a team that plays to his strengths. His attacking style, combined with the experience and support he will receive at RCB, could see him reach new heights in his IPL career. Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting his debut, as Salt’s energetic and fearless approach could complement the team’s already potent line-up. With his addition, RCB hopes to enhance their chances of winning the IPL title, and Salt is equally determined to contribute to the team’s success. His excitement to be part of RCB’s plans in 2025 is palpable, and with the season ahead, he is ready to make a significant impact on the field alongside the likes of Kohli, Maxwell, and the rest of the dynamic squad.
