Will Phil Salt play in the IPL Final against Punjab Kings? RCB yet to confirm
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's preparations for a potential first-ever IPL trophy have hit a snag as star opener Phil Salt missed training ahead of the final against Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.
Salt, who has been crucial to RCB's success this season with 387 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 175.90 and an average over 35, may not even be present in the city.
The uncertainty surrounding Salt's availability was notable during the pre-match media interactions, where neither head coach Andy Flower nor captain Rajat Patidar addressed the situation. The former is known for his tactical approach, often having injured players participate in warm-ups to keep opponents guessing about the team that he will field.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
While Salt wasn't the only player absent from training, with several squad members taking rest, his potential unavailability is particularly significant. His opening partnership with Virat Kohli has been instrumental in RCB's successful batting performances this season.
The team's options for replacing Salt are limited, especially with Jacob Bethell already unavailable due to international commitments.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency
Planet Spark
Learn More
Undo
Tim Seifert, who joined as a replacement player, and Mayank Agarwal are the likely candidates to partner with Kohli at the top of the order if their trusted 28-year-old batter does not appear for the summit clash.
IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs Punjab Kings: The wait will finally end in Ahmedabad
RCB face this unexpected challenge as they pursue their first IPL title, with no official announcement made regarding Salt's status for the final yet. The franchise will be forced to consider a potential last-minute reshuffle to their playing eleven if he is in fact not playing against PBKS.
Who's that IPL player?
The English batter's absence may be due to the expected birth of his first child, potentially leaving RCB without one of their key performers for the title clash. Reports suggest he plans to be with his partner during the delivery.
IPL 2025 Winner Prediction: What Greenstone Lobo's Astrology says
However, it is also reported that the player has landed in Ahmedabad having gone home for the birth of his child. The situation adds another layer of uncertainty to what is already a historic moment for RCB. Be it RCB or PBKS, the winner will etch their names in history as the latest franchise to lift the prize.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
7 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Matthew Hoggard mulls over Oval: ‘It's been hard graft for bowlers on both sides, but we score quicker than India, so…'
Ashes hero Matthew Hoggard emerged from his barbecue kitchen of the restaurant he runs, after hearing Joe Root talk about the 2005 batch inspiring England. Recalling all memories, good, bad, and deeply embarrassing from that series 20 years ago, he said Oval could get suitably exciting all over again when India look to level the series with a win and England aiming for 3-1. Hoggy preceded the Bazball era, while still playing interesting cricket without a label, but shared the present day crinkle nosedness for a draw – especially at the Oval. 'It's going to be survival of the fittest and it reminds me of 2005. You can't go to The Oval and play for a draw because you'll come unstuck if the mentality isn't right,' he told Hoggy's advice for the English was to make their batting sing given bowlers on both sides were expected to be knackered. 'In an ideal world we (them England) bat first, go big and put India under pressure to match us or go past us. England have more gears in the batting line-up than India, especially if they are going to be without Rishabh Pant. It's been hard graft for bowlers on both sides, but we score quicker than India and if they have to put their foot down to chase the game, that's when The Oval can be a tricky customer,' he told Recalling what brought him out of his apron and away from plating at his kitchen, Hoggard narrated how Joe Root's words had an impact after he became second highest Test run getter. 'Listening to Joe being interviewed, after he had just become the second-greatest run scorer of all time in Test cricket, saying he had been inspired by the Ashes winners of 2005 was music to my ears. That's why we play cricket – to leave a legacy, and leave something behind to inspire younger generations, still gives you goosebumps. I think back to 2005 with 10,000 people being turned away from the final day at Old Trafford, people bunking off work or school to watch the finale at The Oval and, yes, it was the best of times,' a nostalgic Hoggy said. However getting ahead to the Open top bus might prove foolhardy for England. Back then, the celebrations had been heady. 'When I look at footage of the open-top bus parade to Trafalgar Square, and none of us look sober, in the social media age we would probably have been crucified but I genuinely can't remember anyone giving us any stick. We went round the Prime Minister's house a bit worse for wear, went to Trafalgar Square for the parade a bit bleary-eyed and went back to Lord's for a reception in a state of disrepair – but nobody minded because we were winners.' The nerve-jangling climax in 2005, as described by Mirror, was only settled by Kevin Pietersen's audacious 158 on the final afternoon. 'We had gone 2-1 up at Trent Bridge in an unbearably tense finish when I was hiding under towels and trembling in the physio's room, unable to watch as the wickets fell as we chased 129 to win,' Hoggard who is now working as one of the UK's leading Motivational Speakers, told Mirror Sport. His workhorse bowling had played its part but it was his batting that makes the highlights reels. 'But when it was my turn to bat, with 13 runs still needed and Brett Lee's bowling 95mph rockets, you switch on and it gets easier – because you're the one who is empowered to take charge and get the job done,' he recalled. 'Lee was either trying to kill me or york me, but when he got one wrong and I managed to send it to the extra cover boundary I think Vaughany (captain Michael Vaughan) nearly fell off the balcony. I'm not sure he'd ever seen me hit an extra cover drive before,' he said in a hoot to Mirror. 'As Ashley Giles, who hit the winning runs, and I walked off, he said, 'Enjoy the moment, we're kings for the night.' He was right – our pace attack was called the Fab Four but it was really a fab five because Gilo was the forgotten man of that bowling unit. He was immense. when we got to The Oval for the final Test, the nerves took over again. The night before I was out for dinner with my wife and I was so uptight I called for the bill and walked out. My head was all over the place, I'm afraid I was a bit of a t**t.' At Old Trafford England's pace attack had been denied on the field for 143 overs as they chased victory in vain at Old Trafford, which brought on the comparisons with the 2005 Manchester Test. Back then, in the third Test, Ricky Ponting had hit 156, and Lee and Glen McGrath held on for 371-9 with Flintoff snaring 4, and captain Punter dismissed in 104th over of 108 bowled, frustrating England bowlers unable to get the Aussies. However this time, England have only the Oval Test to bank on, and no Messrs Harmison, Hoggard, Flintoff, Jones.
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Washington Sundar's coach M Senthilnathan on 101* vs England - 'Very emotional, it will be remembered for long time'
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: India batsman Washington Sundar celebrates his century during day five of the 4th Test Match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 27, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by) Ahmedabad: All-rounder Washington Sundar scored his maiden century in international cricket during Team India's fourth Test against England, helping the visitors remain alive in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Washington Sundar (101* off 206 balls) stitched an unbeaten 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (107* off 185 balls. The hosts were in the driver's seat after reducing India to 0/2 in the first over of their second innings, and were all set to take a 3-1 lead in the series. However, an 188-run partnership between KL Rahul (90) and Shubman Gill (103), followed by Washington and Jadeja's heroics helped the Indian team pull off nothing short of a miracle. "I feel highly emotional because this is Washington's maiden international hundred and came at a time when it really mattered. This knock will be remembered for a long time because he held his own against the English bowlers, denying them a triumph in a dominant position. Washington came up the order following Rishabh Pant's injury and showed initiative, helping India save the Test, which is equal to a win considering the tough circumstances. A maiden international century after showcasing such character and desire to fight is certainly sweeter than achieving the same in easier circumstances, and the team management will certainly hold him in higher regard," said Washington Sundar's childhood coach M. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Senthilnathan in an exclusive interaction with Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The all-rounder has scored 205 runs in three matches and has picked up seven wickets. "Washington Sundar missed out on a ton earlier in 2021 when he remained unbeaten on 96 in the fourth Test against England which was played in Ahmedabad. It took some time for him to get back and score a ton but I am happy that he has managed to reach the milestone. Washington Sundar is showing the world that he can be a very useful cricketer across departments, as evident from his run tally in the ongoing series," he added. IND vs ENG: Gautam Gambhir loses cool during heated exchange with ground staff at The Oval ahead of 5th Test The Tamil Nadu all-rounder had to return back early during the Indian team's earlier tours of England, suffering unfortunate and unexpected injuries. These setbacks demotivated the all-rounder, testing his character. "He was really down mentally due to unfortunate injuries in his ankle and finger one or two days before a match. Washington asked me, 'What should I do?'. I said, 'Nothing. Just work hard'. Those were the only instances where he would feel low. Even during the current tour, the only advice I gave Washington was to stay fit due to the unfortunate injuries previously while playing football or bowling," said the cricketer's coach. Poll What do you think about Washington Sundar's maiden century under pressure? A remarkable achievement Expected from a player of his caliber Just a lucky innings More of a team effort Two of the biggest factors behind Washington Sundar's success have been his patience and work ethic, especially considering the limited opportunities earlier due to the presence of Ravichandran Ashwin. "I told him to hang in there. Washington Sundar has never been lazy which is a big quality of his. He will be on the ground even after an early morning flight which showcases his commitment. Washington Sundar had to wait for a long time, nearly three to four years but he had the patience to keep performing and stay right behind Ashwin. You can never see his aggression outside, he is very subtle but inside he is a very strong person with very high self-confidence levels," stated Senthilnathan. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
19 minutes ago
- News18
'Australia For Ashes': How England's 'Whining' In Manchester Test United Indians And Aussies
Last Updated: Indian cricket fans have come out in numbers to extend their support to their arch-rivals Australia in their upcoming Ashes Test series against England. The England team, led by Ben Stokes, has faced the fury of cricket fans from across the globe. When the hosts seemed en route to a famous Test series over India in Manchester, the visiting squad rose to the occasion. India posted 358 in their first innings, which was overshadowed by the English batters who, in response, scored a towering 669. Still two days left in the fourth Test, India had a disastrous start to their second innings. First, Yashasavi Jaiswal departed for a duck, then Sai Sudharsan took the long walk back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers when he was dismissed on the very next delivery. Chris Woakes was the culprit. With a scorecard reading 0/2, the worry grew by the minute in the Indian camp. The fans at Old Trafford sensed an imminent defeat. The tense situation, however, was stabilised by KL Rahul and India captain Shubman Gill. KL steadied the ship with a patient 230-ball 90, and as for the skipper, Gill notched up his fourth century in the five-match Test series. The duo stitched an incredible partnership of 188 runs, but the final day of the fourth Test once again brought worry on the faces of anxious Indian supporters. Fortunately for India, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja stood their ground and left the ground with their respective centuries, as India avoided a series defeat in Manchester. The draw was celebrated far and wide, for India had displayed immense courage with the bat despite being 300+ runs in deficit. However, the moment was also marred by the England team's willingness to call it a day an hour ahead of the schedule. England and Stokes proposed ending the match early with a handshake, as a draw seemed inevitable, and the hosts were justified in expecting to conclude proceedings. However, India declined, with Jadeja and Sundar nearing their well-deserved milestones, sparking online buzz when England players visibly reacted on the field to the refusal. Cricket pundits, fans, and commentators alike questioned why the hosts were 'whining" about India's decision, fueling discussions across the internet. Many, including the great Sunil Gavaskar, lambasted Stokes and his clan. 'Everything cannot be done according to what the England team wants. This is yet another example of that old syndrome: when we do it, it's right; when the opposition does the same, it's wrong. Those days are long gone, and no one, least of all the Indian team, is going to simply accept it," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. Unlikely Union Such was the condemnation towards England's antics on the field that even supporting one of their biggest rivals, Australia, seemed like the best thing to do for the Indians. Since the conclusion of the Manchester Test between England and India, the desis (and the rest of the world) have come out in numbers to join the England slander and also extend their support for the Aussies in their upcoming Ashes Test series against the same opponent. 'England are so hated everyone is supporting us? I've woken up in a parallel world and I'm not sure how I feel about it," a user on X wrote. 'I've never wanted Australia to win an Ashes series this badly," wrote another. Seeing Indians, South Africans and other fans around the world hoping for a 5-0 Australia win in the Ashes. — CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) July 29, 2025 We're all supporting Australia in the Ashes?— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) July 28, 2025 I never thought I would root for Pat Cummins. But – gonna support him and Australia to the core in upcoming Ashes. Maro ye angrezi saloo ko, 5-0 se kam nahi hona chahiye— edho formality ki (@no_posting_guy) July 27, 2025 Ashes Schedule England will tour Australia later this year for the blockbuster series The Ashes, 2025-2026, where they will play five Test matches against Pat Cummins's men. Nov 21 – Nov 25: Perth Stadium, Perth Dec 04 – Dec 08: The Gabba, Brisbane Third Test Dec 17 – Dec 21: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Fourth Test Dec 26 – Dec 30: MCG, Melbourne top videos View all Fifth Test Jan 04 – Jan 08: SCG, Sydney Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ashes view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 16:49 IST News explainers 'Australia For Ashes': How England's 'Whining' In Manchester Test United Indians And Aussies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
