Big blow for RCB: Phil Salt ruled out of IPL 2025 Final

Just hours before the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp was hit with a major setback. The explosive English opener Phil Salt, who has been the driving force behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru's dream run this season, is now a huge doubt for the IPL 2025 final against PBKS at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 3.

Phil Salt reportedly skipped Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s final training session in Ahmedabad, sparking rumors about his availability for the summit clash against the Punjab Kings.

RCB’s title dreams in trouble as Phil Salt likely to miss IPL 2025 Final

Actually, the English star is all set to welcome his first child, and he wants to accompany his partner for the birth of their first child. It is being said that Salt might not even be in Ahmedabad during the all-important title clash on Tuesday.

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The RCB think tank has been tight-lipped about their opener’s availability. Head coach Andy Flower and captain Rajat Patidar also refused to reveal anything about Salt’s absence, which has only added fuel to the fire. With the final set to decide whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally breaks their 18-year curse, this news couldn’t have come at a worse time.

An ESPNCricinfo report reads, “Salt was not at the ground when RCB trained on the eve of the final, but that isn't unusual. Quite a few players choose to prepare by themselves instead of having one more net. If Salt is not in Ahmedabad and has dashed home to be with his family, RCB won't let it be known until match day. Not with a player so important.”

Has Phil Salt flown home or is RCB playing mind games?

Well, Andy Flower, known for his clever mind games, could be playing his cards close to the chest once again. He has pulled such stunts before. Actually, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach doesn’t like to give away any clues about which players might miss a match.

Flower has even made injured players do warm-ups right before the game to confuse the other team and keep them guessing. So, it is really interesting to see whether Salt has already flown back home for the birth of his first child or if it is all part of a cunning RCB strategy.

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Phil Salt’s possible exit spells opening headache for RCB

Meanwhile, Phil Salt has been one of the biggest stars for Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, scoring 387 runs in just 12 matches. With a blazing strike rate of 175.90 and an average of over 35, Salt has been the engine behind the Bengaluru franchise’s flying start this season.

His numbers clearly show how important he is to the team’s chances in the big final against PBKS. But now, with Salt possibly missing the final and Jacob Bethell already back home for international duties, Royal Challengers Bengaluru may find themselves in a tough spot, as there is a chance of a shakeup in their opening combination.

If Salt is not available for the title clash, they will likely have to choose between Tim Seifert, who was brought in as a backup, and experienced Indian batter Mayank Agarwal.

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