In what comes as a hammer blow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) title hopes, explosive opener Phil Salt is reported to miss the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.
Salt is expecting first child with his partner. There were already reports that he might miss the final because he wanted to fly home to be with his girlfriend Abi McLaven at the time of delivery.
While there has been no confirmation from the RCB camp on Phil Salt’s availability, he could not be spotted in the team’s practice session on the eve of the big game, giving rise to the speculation that he might have already left India.
Also read: RCB Face Setback as Phil Salt Likely to Miss IPL 2025 Playoffs for Child’s Birth - Report
RCB Fans Fret Over Phil Salt's Availability for IPL 2025 Final vs PBKS
Salt's absence from the team's final training session has led to speculation about his participation in the final.
RCB's head coach Andy Flower and captain Rajat Patidar have remained tight-lipped about Salt's status. This could also be a strategic move to keep opponents uncertain.
Salt has been one of their most consistent performers this season. He has been aggressive at the same time. He has smashed 387 runs in just 12 outings in IPL 2025 at a strike-rate of 175.91.
Salt’s impact will be irreparable. RCB can try but their options are limited. Tim Seifert, the New Zealand international, is the most natural replacement. Seifert has been part of the squad as Jacob Bethell’s replacement but has not featured in a single game so far. Another possibility is Mayank Agarwal, who has experience opening in the IPL but is batting in the middle-order this year.
What is the Update on Tim David's Injury?
Making matters trickier for RCB is the fitness cloud hanging over Tim David. The Australian finisher picked up a hamstring strain in the league stage against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and has been undergoing rehab since, missing the following two games.
RCB’s think-tank has not given a clear update, choosing to keep their cards close to the chest ahead of the final.
"I have no idea about Tim David. Doctors will let us know this evening," Rajat Patidar said as quoted on the eve of the final.
Also read: IPL 2025 Finals: After 18 Years, RCB or PBKS Poised to Break Their IPL Trophy Drought
