Phil Salt declines Virat Kohli's friendship

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) explosive wicketkeeper batter Phil Salt has sparked buzz with comments on his opening partner Virat Kohli during a recent appearance on the Mr Nags Show. Salt jokingly stated that they are "just colleagues" before quickly changing his stance on the former RCB skipper.

Salt, who was bought for Rs 11.5 crore in the mega auction, has been in excellent form this season. He has scored 239 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 168.30, including two half-centuries. The Royal Challengers are currently at the top of the table and have won six of their seven matches away from home.

Watch: Phil Salt Jokes About His Bond With Virat Kohli

In a video shared by RCB on their official social media channels, Phil Salt sparked amusement with his playful response about his relationship with Virat Kohli. He later clarified with a smile that everyone he plays cricket with is a friend.

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Host: You said that there are no friends in the IPL in one of your interviews. So, when you are out playing with Virat, are you friends with him or are you not?

Salt: Colleagues.

When asked that question once again, Salt told the host, "Everybody that I have played cricket with is a friend of mine. I just did not want to give you any extra ammunition in this interview".

𝗠𝗿. 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 ☕ 🫖

Salt sings THAT song, clears the air about his FRIENDS, tells us what ANNOYS him, and more, on @bigbasket_com presents RCB Insider! 😂#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/jGOqdFhHuD

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 30, 2025

Virat Kohli’s Consistency Powers RCB’s Climb to the Top of IPL 2025 Table

Virat Kohli has played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s rise to the top of the IPL 2025 standings. While his strike rate hasn’t been the highest, his consistent run-scoring has been crucial to the team's success.

The right-handed batter has scored 443 runs in 10 innings at an average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 138.87. He is currently the second-leading run-getter in the tournament, behind Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Sai Sudharsan, who has scored 456 runs in nine matches.

Kohli has registered six half-centuries, four of which came in successful run chases. Notably, he anchored the innings with a composed 51 off 47 balls in their recent match against Delhi Capitals. RCB had slipped to 26/3 while chasing 163 but managed to secure victory.

It Was a Top Win, Especially Considering the Surface - Virat Kohli

Earlier, Virat Kohli shared insights into his approach during a chase after the win over Delhi Capitals. Kohli revealed that during a run chase, he constantly communicates with the dugout to ensure they are on track.

"It was a top win, especially looking at the surface. We saw a few games here and this wicket played out differently compared to those. Whenever there's a chase on, I keep checking with the dugout, whether we're on course," he said.

"(What) the total (is) on the board. What the conditions are like. Who are the bowlers that are due to bowl. Who are the bowlers that are going to be hard to get away," he added.

Also read: Adam Gilchrist, Shaun Pollock picks IPL 2025 Top 2 Teams