By Rohit - Jun 03, 2025 12:52 PM
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp has been rocked by a stunning setback just hours before their much-anticipated IPL 2025 Final showdown against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad. Their star performer and opening dynamo, Phil Salt, is reportedly ruled out of the title clash, dealing a massive blow to RCB’s hopes of ending their 18-year-long IPL trophy drought.
Salt, who has been in red-hot form this season, skipped the final training session in Ahmedabad, igniting a storm of speculation around his availability. But now, reports suggest it’s more than just a precautionary rest, the Englishman is expecting the birth of his first child and has flown back to be with his partner.
RCB has neither confirmed nor denied Phil Salt’s absence officially, adding fuel to the fire. Head coach Andy Flower and skipper Rajat Patidar have remained tight-lipped, refusing to clarify Salt’s status. According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Salt wasn’t seen during the final nets session, but the team is keeping the mystery alive.
Could this be a classic Andy Flower strategy? The Zimbabwean coach is notorious for playing mind games, having previously sent injured players out for warm-ups to throw off opponents.
🚨PHIL SALT MIGHT MISS FINAL🚨
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) June 2, 2025
- Phil Salt was not present in RCB's last practice session of #IPL2025 [ESPNCricinfo] pic.twitter.com/DN0xYdnkxt
While some fans believe this could be a strategic bluff, sources close to the camp suggest Salt has indeed left Ahmedabad to be with his family. If true, RCB’s title dreams hang by a thread, as Salt has been the backbone of their batting lineup in IPL 2025.
With 387 runs in 12 matches at a blistering strike rate of 175.90, Salt's absence means a complete rework of RCB’s top order, possibly throwing in Tim Seifert or Mayank Agarwal as last-minute replacements. In addition to that, the earlier departure of Jacob Bethell and RCB’s opening combo suddenly looks fragile.
Social media is already abuzz with reactions:
“Just when we thought this was our year…”
“Phil Salt is the MVP for us. If he’s out, this final just got 10x harder.”
“Please be a bluff, Andy Flower!”
To make matters worse, fellow opener Jacob Bethell has already flown back for international duty, narrowing RCB’s options further. The team now faces the challenge of reorganizing their opening lineup at the last minute.
Salt has struck 387 runs for RCB this season in 12 matches, at a strike-rate of 175.90 and an average of 35.18. The stats alone suggest how important the Englishman is for RCB's plans in the final. With Jacob Bethell already back home for international duty, the Bengaluru side is expected to face some problems in sorting out the opening issue if Salt is indeed not available.
Tim Seifert, signed as a replacement player, and Mayank Agarwal remain the best-suited options for the opening slot, alongside Virat Kohli, if Salt isn’t available.
As the clock ticks down to the toss, RCB fans are holding their breath—hoping for a miracle, or at least one final twist in the tale.
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