Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has revealed that opener Phil Salt is close to returning from injury ahead of Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, although the franchise is yet to take a final decision on his availability for the playoff clash in Dharamsala. Salt’s possible return comes as a major boost for RCB at a stage where one win could directly send them into the IPL 2026 final.
RCB will take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 after finishing at the top of the points table despite their heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final league-stage game. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Patidar confirmed that Salt has resumed training activities but said the management will take a late call on his inclusion.
“Salt is fit. He is under observation from the doctor. He has been participating in a few drills but we haven’t decided on our playing eleven yet. We will look at the wicket and decide,” Patidar said.
Salt had travelled back to the United Kingdom after suffering a finger injury during RCB’s clash against Delhi Capitals on April 18. The England opener was expected to rejoin the squad before the playoffs but was not spotted training with the team during the eve-of-match practice session before the GT clash.
HOW BIG IS PHIL SALT’S RETURN FOR RCB?
Salt’s comeback could significantly strengthen RCB’s batting heading into the playoffs.
Before his injury, the England batter had been one of the most aggressive openers in IPL 2026 and played a crucial role in helping Bengaluru secure a top-two finish. His ability to attack from the powerplay overs gave RCB early momentum consistently throughout the season.
RCB had already suffered another setback in Salt’s absence after Jacob Bethell injured his left ring finger during the match against Punjab Kings. Bethell subsequently missed the final league-stage fixture against SRH, forcing the team into another batting reshuffle.
That saw Venkatesh Iyer promoted to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli during the massive 256-run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Venkatesh responded with a rapid 44 off just 19 balls and gave RCB an explosive start despite the eventual defeat.
If Salt is declared fully fit for Qualifier 1, he is expected to walk straight back into the playing XI, which could push Venkatesh back into the middle order role he had initially been playing this season.
PATIDAR PRAISES VENKATESH IYER’S FLEXIBILITY
Patidar also praised Venkatesh Iyer’s attitude throughout the campaign, especially after the left-hander adjusted to different batting positions despite limited opportunities earlier in the season.
“I have known Venky since childhood. He has a great attitude and is ready to bat anywhere in the order,” Patidar said.
“He was a main player at KKR but when he came here, he didn’t get a lot of chances in the beginning. He accepted that and ensured he was prepared when the chance came to cash in.”
RCB now head into their biggest match of IPL 2026 knowing that a win over Gujarat Titans would not only secure a direct place in the final but also hand them valuable rest ahead of the title clash.
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RCB now head into their biggest match of IPL 2026 knowing that a win over Gujarat Titans would not only secure a direct place in the final but also hand them valuable rest ahead of the title clash.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
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