Phil Salt update: RCB star announces IPL 2025 final participation vs PBKS
Published - 03 Jun 2025, 02:27 PM | Updated - 03 Jun 2025, 03:15 PM
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In a major boost for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), England batter Phil Salt returned to Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning (June 3), just in time for the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
This is a huge boost for RCB, who are set to play the IPL final for the first time since their heartbreaking defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.
RCB get a massive boost as Phil Salt joins the squad for the IPL 2025 Final against PBKS
Salt has been a key force at the top of the order for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, and his availability has only strengthened their chances of finally ending their IPL title drought of 18 years.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Phil Salt had briefly flown back home to be with his family for the birth of his child, but the English star is now back with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad ahead of the title clash against the Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad.
Update: Phil Salt has returned to Ahmedabad this morning after having gone home for the birth of his child #RCBvPBKS #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Nh9JjfAYZy
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 3, 2025
Phil Salt’s blazing form boosts RCB’s title hopes
Phil Salt has been a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing IPL 2025. He is the second-highest run-scorer for the team this season, just behind Virat Kohli. In 12 matches, Salt has scored 387 runs, including four explosive half-centuries at an incredible strike rate of 176.8 and a solid batting average of nearly 36.
These numbers place the English opener among the most dangerous openers in the tournament this year. One of his most impactful innings came during a chase against Rajasthan Royals, where he smashed 65 runs off just 33 balls. His aggressive start, along with a 92-run opening partnership with Kohli, helped RCB chase down 174 with ease earlier in the tournament.
Read Also: Yograj Singh issues big 'Virat Kohli' warning to Punjab Kings ahead of IPL final 2025
RCB and PBKS set for historic clash in first-ever IPL title decider
Meanwhile, for the first time in 15 years, both teams PBKS and RCB in the IPL final are chasing their very first title. The last time this happened was back in 2016, when Royal Challengers Bangalore faced Sunrisers Hyderabad, making Tuesday’s summit clash even more exciting.
Well, when it comes to their overall match record, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are equally tough opponents for each other, each winning 18 games against the other. At the Narendra Modi Stadium, PBKS have the upper hand, winning the only match played against RCB.
But looking at recent form, RCB has the edge, winning five out of their last six games against PBKS since 2023 in the tournament.
Rajat Patidar focuses on unity ahead of IPL 2025 Final
Ahead of the big clash in Ahmedabad, RCB captain Rajat Patidar said that he always works to build a positive atmosphere for all players, whether they are domestic or international stars, where they should feel equally supported and valued in the team.
Patidar had said at the pre-match press conference about his captaincy, “I have always tried to create a good environment for every player who has come from a domestic background or international experience... they both feel the same.”
Well, Virat Kohli's long wait for IPL glory could finally end this year. As RCB prepares for the 2025 final, all eyes are on their iconic batter, who has been chasing the trophy for 18 seasons. The pain of 2016 still lingers, but this could be Kohli’s best shot to lift the maiden IPL trophy.
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