Phil Salt Makes Timely Return to Boost RCB Ahead of Historic IPL 2025 Final vs PBKS

Just when it seemed like Phil Salt might miss the biggest game of the season, the Englishman flew back in the nick of time — and is now all set to feature in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s much-anticipated IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings.

There were serious doubts over Salt’s availability when he skipped RCB’s training session on the eve of the final, with reports emerging that he had flown home to be with his partner for the birth of their first child. But in a dramatic and heartwarming turn, Salt landed in Ahmedabad at around 3 AM on Tuesday morning and is now ready to step right back into the action. 

Salt has been a crucial cog in RCB’s charge this season, racking up 387 runs from 12 matches at a blazing strike rate of 175.90. His 56* off just 27 balls in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings was a defining moment — a knock full of confidence and clean hitting that helped RCB chase down 102 in just 10 overs. After that game, he flew home, but now he’s back, fired up for the big one. 

While Salt’s return is a massive boost, RCB are set to miss Tim David once again. The big-hitting Aussie has yet to recover from the hamstring injury he picked up during the league stage clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow. It remains to be seen if Liam Livingstone keeps his place or if the team turns to New Zealand’s Tim Seifert for a fresh look in the middle order. 

RCB find themselves in the IPL final for the fourth time, and the dream of lifting their first trophy is now within touching distance. They’ve come close in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — only to finish second each time. But under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, they’ve looked composed and in control, especially after thrashing PBKS in Qualifier 1. 

Both teams have had identical runs in the league stage — nine wins, four losses, and one no-result — but RCB’s thumping playoff win has given them a psychological edge heading into the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It’s been 17 years of heartbreak and hope for RCB fans. And now, with Salt back and Kohli in prime form, this might just be their moment. 

Also Read: AB de Villiers Sends Heartfelt Message to Virat Kohli Ahead of IPL 2025 Final