Star RCB Player Likely To Miss IPL 2025 Final Against PBKS

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are just one step away from winning their first-ever IPL title. They will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the big final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both RCB and PBKS are on the verge of creating history as neither of them has lifted the title so far. Hence, the IPL will see a new champion this time around.

However, RCB have received a worrying update ahead of the big game. Phil Salt, RCB’s star opening batter, may miss the IPL 2025 final. If this happens, it will go down as a huge blow for them as Salt has played a key role in RCB's path to the final. He is currently the team's designated opener alongside Virat Kohli.

Phil Salt Not With Team?

As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, the Englishman is expecting the birth of his first child, which has affected Phil Salt IPL final chances. He was not seen at RCB’s training session on the eve of the final. This led to many questions about his availability. His absence has sparked rumors that he may have already gone back home to be with his partner.

RCB head coach Andy Flower and captain Rajat Patidar have remained silent about the situation. Neither of them spoke about Salt in the press conference. This has only added to the mystery. Andy Flower is known for keeping his plans secret. In the past, he has made injured players take part in warm-up drills just to confuse the opposition. So, his silence might have been a part of his strategy.

Other RCB players also skipped the practice session before the game. However, Phil Salt came back on the match day and is likely to play the IPL 2025 final to be played at Ahmedabad. Salt attended the birth of his child but decided to come back to India for the big game. It was a huge decision from the Englishman to come back for RCB.

Phil Salt In IPL 2025

Phil Salt has been a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season. In 12 matches, he has scored 387 runs so far at a strike rate of 175.90, and his average is 35.18. His numbers in the powerplay are even more impressive. Salt has given RCB strong starts with the bat. If he misses the final, it could be a big blow. RCB may have to change their opening combination.

The opening duo of Salt and Virat Kohli has been crucial to RCB's success this season. Both have complemented each other quite well and have been a nightmare for several bowling attacks. Alongside the pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, Kohli and Salt have been one of the most successful opening pairs of IPL 2025. Another overseas opener, Jacob Bethell, is already unavailable as returned home for national duties. This means RCB are already short on options at the top.

Phil Salt Replacement For IPL 2025 Final

If Salt does not play, wicketkeeper Tim Seifert could take his place. He is a wicketkeeper-batter and was signed as a replacement earlier this season for Bethell. Mayank Agarwal is another option who could open the batting alongside Kohli. This final is one of the most important matches in RCB’s history. They have never won an IPL title before.

The team is hoping to end their trophy drought this season. Seifert could be the perfect Phil Salt replacement for this match. He can score runs quickly at the top and can also keep wickets. However, Salt already has the experience of playing this season and is already an established opener of the team. His arrival is a big bonus for RCB.

RCB has performed well this season. Their batting and bowling have both clicked at the right time. But losing a player like Salt just before the final could be a big setback. Will Salt make it back in time for the final? Or will RCB have to take the field without their star opener? Only time will tell. For now, fans can only hope for the best.