Phil Salt reportedly did not take part in Royal Challengers Bengaluru바카라™s final training session ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 final match against Punjab Kings
Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on 3 June at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are sweating the availability of their opening batter Phil Salt. The English batter was reportedly not a part of his team바카라™s training sessions, and that has raised concerns about whether he will play in the IPL 2025 final.
As per a report released by ESPNcricinfo, Salt was not seen during RCB바카라™s final training session on Monday. However, the same report clarified that it is not unusual for senior players to skip final-day training sessions on the nets, instead choosing to prepare themselves personally.
In Salt바카라™s case, though, the absence has led to alarm bells as the top-order batter recently suffered a bout of illness, and his girlfriend, Abi McLaven, is pregnant with the couple바카라™s first child. As a result, rumours are flying that Salt may opt against playing in the IPL 2025 final, instead flying back home.
However, as of now, RCB has given no confirmation either way about the player바카라™s availability. Head coach Andy Flower is extremely coy about key players, even reportedly making injured players train to keep their injury status hidden.
If indeed Phil Salt does not play in RCB vs PBKS, it will be a huge blow for Rajat Patidar바카라™s side. The batter has been superb this season, scoring 387 runs so far, including a 56-run knock against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on 29 May.
Salt바카라™s injury rumours have added to RCB management바카라™s trouble ahead of the must-win match, with Australian all-rounder Tim David also missing out due to a hamstring injury. Already missing David바카라™s middle-order batting support, Salt바카라™s absence will be a big blow to the Royal Challengers바카라™ quest to win their first-ever IPL title.
However, in case the English player misses out, New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert will likely be drafted into the RCB playing XI as a replacement.