Will Phil Salt play RCB vs GT, Qualifier 1? Rajat Patidar breaks the silence with an opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has revealed that spinner 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 play-off match in Dharamsala. Salta’s possible return is a big boost for RCB at a stage where one win could send them straight to the finals of IPL 2026.

RCB will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 after finishing top of the points table despite a heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last league match. In Sunday’s pre-match press conference, Patidar confirmed that Salt had resumed training activities but said the management would accept his late inclusion.

“Sal is fit. He is under observation from the doctor. He has participated in a few drills but we have not decided our playing eleven yet. We will look at the wicket and decide,” said Patidar.

Salt traveled back to the UK after suffering a finger injury during RCB’s encounter against Delhi Capitals on April 18. The England opener was expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the play-offs, but was not spotted training with the squad during the match’s pre-match training ahead of the GT clash.

HOW BIG IS PHIL SALT’S RETURN FOR RCB?

Salt’s comeback could significantly boost RCB’s batting line-up heading into the playoffs.

Before his injury, the England batsman was one of the most aggressive openers in IPL 2026 and played a key role in helping Bengaluru secure a top two finish. His ability to attack from power forwards gave RCB an early boost throughout the season.

RCB already suffered another setback in Salt’s absence after that Jacob Bethell injured his left ring finger during the match against Punjab Kings. Bethell subsequently missed the final match of the league stage against SRH, forcing the team to further reshuffle the batting.

As a result, Venkatesh Iyer was promoted to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s massive 256-run chase. Venkatesh responded with a quick 44 off just 19 balls to give RCB an explosive start despite the eventual defeat.

If declared fully fit for Qualifier 1, Salt is expected to return straight into the playing XI, which could return Venkatesh to the middle-order role he initially played this season.

PATIDAR APPRECIATES VENKATESH IYERA’S FLEXIBILITY

Patidar also praised Venkatesh Iyer’s approach during the campaign, especially after the left-hander adapted to different batting positions despite limited opportunities at the start of the season.

“I know Venky since childhood. He has a great attitude and is ready to bat anywhere in the order,” said Patidar.

“He was the main player for KKR but when he came here he didn’t get many chances in the beginning. He accepted that and made sure he was ready when the opportunity 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 them a direct spot in the final but also give them a valuable rest ahead of the title race.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

25 May 2026 20:46 IST

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