"Virat Kohli loves to fight"- Phil Salt just days after joining RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt showered praise on veteran batter Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2025. The England opening batter described the former Indian skipper as a good man off the field and a super competitor during matches.

Phil Salt played a crucial role in the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) victory in 2024. The 28-year-old formed a formidable opening duo with Sunil Narine, scoring 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.54 and an impressive strike rate of 182. However, the franchise did not retain him before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Virat Kohli Is Such a Good Man - Phil Salt

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured Phil Salt for ₹11.50 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. The English wicketkeeper-batter is expected to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli. Salt expressed excitement about batting with the former Indian captain, stating that they have developed a good rapport.

"Virat Kohli is such a good man. He's so chilled. But for the game, He's a super competitor, he likes to get in this, he likes to fight, and he likes to battle. We're getting on pretty well, I'm pretty happy alongside batting with him," Salt said.

Phil Salt said - "Virat Kohli is such a good man. He's so chilled. But for the game, He's a super competitor, he likes to get in this, he likes to fight, he likes battle. We're getting on pretty well, I'm pretty happy alongside batting with him". (RCB Website). pic.twitter.com/zjdCC0cp0X

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 22, 2025

Phil Salt Eyes Good IPL 2025 Campaign After Disappointing Champions Trophy

Phil Salt will be aiming for a strong IPL 2025 campaign after a disappointing outing in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he managed just 10, 12, and 8 runs while opening for England. The team finished winless in the tournament.

A successful IPL season could strengthen his case for a spot in the England squad. Salt joined his national teammates Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB, still in pursuit of their maiden IPL title after three runner-up finishes, will be eager to break their trophy drought this year.

Virat Kohli The Only Batter to Surpass 8,000 Runs in IPL History

Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history and the only batter to surpass 8,000 runs in the tournament. He has scored 8,004 runs in 252 matches at an average of 38.66, with 55 half-centuries and eight centuries, including a career-best 113*.

Kohli also holds the record for captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the most matches, leading the team in 143 games and securing 68 wins. Last season, he scored 765 runs in 15 matches while opening alongside Faf du Plessis. He smashed five fifties and a century (113 off 72 against Rajasthan Royals).

RCB will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 22. KKR have the upper hand in their head-to-head record, winning 20 of their 34 encounters.

The Royal Challengers will play under the new captain Rajat Patidar. After falling short in the Eliminator last season, RCB will be determined to elevate their performance and finally secure their maiden IPL title.

Also read: Irfan Pathan thrown out of IPL Commentary Panel!! Hardik Pandya behind the move?