Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has shared a positive update on opener Phil Salt ahead of Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. Patidar said Salt is close to returning from injury, although the team management is yet to make a final decision on whether he will play in the big match in Dharamsala.
RCB will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 after finishing at the top of the points table, despite losing heavily to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league game.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Patidar confirmed that Salt has started training again but said the team will take a late call on his availability.
“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.
What happened to Phil Salt?
Salt had returned to the United Kingdom after suffering a finger injury during RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals on April 18. Although he was expected to rejoin the squad before the playoffs, he was not seen training with the team during the practice session before the GT clash.
His return could be a massive boost for RCB at an important stage of the tournament.
Before getting injured, Salt was one of the most aggressive openers in IPL 2026 and played a major role in helping Bengaluru finish in the top two. His attacking approach in the Powerplay gave RCB quick starts throughout the season.
How was Bethell ruled out of IPL 2026 and Venkatesh promoted as opener?
RCB were also forced to reshuffle their batting after Jacob Bethell injured his left ring finger during the game against Punjab Kings. Bethell later missed the final league match against SRH.
As a result, Venkatesh Iyer was promoted to open alongside Virat Kohli during RCB’s chase of 256 against SRH. Venkatesh impressed with a quick 44 off 19 balls and provided an explosive start despite the loss.
If Salt is declared fit for Qualifier 1, he is likely to return directly to the playing XI, which could see Venkatesh move back to the middle order.
Patidar on Venkatesh Iyer's performance
Patidar also praised Venkatesh for adjusting to different roles during 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 one of their biggest matches of IPL 2026 knowing that a win against Gujarat Titans will secure a direct place in the final and also give them extra rest before the title clash.