RR vs KKR: Phil Salt names 'fastest' bowler he has faced; opens up about his T20 World Cup 2024 selection

Amidst the thrilling journey of the ongoing IPL 2024, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged as a dominant force, showcasing exceptional prowess and determination throughout the league phase. With a commendable record of nine victories and only three defeats in 13 matches, KKR is currently sitting at the top of the IPL 2024 points table with 19 points.

Ahead of KKR’s final league game against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 19, their explosive opener Phil Salt has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to maintain momentum as the two-time champions gear up for the IPL 2024 playoffs.

Salt is optimistic that the KKR will maintain their stellar form and deliver their best performances when it matters most during the final phase of the lucrative T20 league. With their eyes set on the third coveted title, KKR remains focused, driven, and ready to conquer all the challenges ahead.

Phil Salt's confidence soars as KKR gears up for IPL 2024 Playoff push

Phill Salt said on KKR's Knights Dugout Podcast: “It's about taking it day by day and hopefully we put our best foot forward and get the momentum at the right time.” The star wicketkeeper-batter also shared the experience of being picked in the England squad for the first time for the ICC event.

Salt has been named in England’s primary squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, starting on June 1 in the USA and Caribbean, following his splendid performance for KKR in the IPL 2024.

The English star noted, “That was my first experience at being flooded with messages on my phone. I'm generally not someone who uses the phone a lot but it was an incredible experience. My phone was blowing up with messages congratulating me and it was great.”

Phil Salt names the fastest bowler he had faced

Meanwhile, Phil Salt named the fastest bowler he has faced while sharing an intriguing anecdote from his experience facing England teammate Jofra Archer in the nets. The star keeper was just in awe of Archer's pace event at the nets. He said that Archer's pace is unmatched, especially when bowling from just 18 yards away.

The KKR opener revealed that Archer can deliver three bouncers per over at such a rapid pace, and facing him at the nets has been helping him sharpen his reflexes, which are important for facing fast bowling in matches. Salt also revealed there were instances when he was struck by Archer's deliveries, causing disruption right before important matches.

Salt signed off by saying, “I think Jofra is the fastest I have faced in the nets and that too from 18 yards. He bowls it at that pace from 18 yards with three bouncers in an over. It's good because it helps sharpen the reflexes but there have been times when he's hit me right before the match day and then all hell has broken loose.”

Notably, the table-topper KKR will face the second-ranked Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on May 19 in their final league stage match of the ongoing IPL 2024.