He should be in India by the end of the week after a month out with an injury, which is a welcome development for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the postseason nears, says ESPNcricinfo. The defending champions have the kind of momentum they like.
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You can’t say for sure yet if he’ll be ready for the last league fixture with Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Friday. But the goal is clear: make it to Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala next Tuesday without any hiccups, barring some dramatic shift in Net Run Rate.
Why Salt’s comeback matters
This season has been all about the combination of Kohli’s composure and Salt’s edge in the powerplay. In only six games, Salt has put up 202 runs – 33.67 on average – with a couple of fifties and a 46 to his name, often dictating terms from the off.
Without him, Jacob Bethell has been opening with Kohli but hasn’t had much to show for it. Seven matches in and he’s on 96 runs, an average of 13.71. That’s why you can see how Salt being fit might well change the dynamic for RCB going into the knockouts.
RCB’s playoff picture and the selection call
On paper, RCB have 18 points from 13 games (nine wins, four losses) and are in line for that spot in Dharamsala. A victory over the Sunrisers would put them in the box seat. If Salt isn’t a go for Friday, Bethell will likely start; the management will have to decide how much risk they’re willing to take.
The injury and the turnaround
It was a boundary he was trying to cut down in the April 18 loss to Delhi Capitals that did in his left hand. He’s been out of action since, even making a trip back to England to get checked out and see his family.
Now he’s due to rejoin the fold. It means RCB can have their wicketkeeper-opener back, one who can put pressure on the new ball and keep things in their court.
Form guide and a statement win
They made a statement in their last game in Dharamsala, too. They put 222/4 on the board against the Punjab Kings, with Kohli on 58 to extend his record of 500-run seasons, and Venkatesh Iyer not out on 73. Padikkal and Tim David chipped in as well.
PBKS were in trouble early on. Bhuvneshwar had 2/38 and got rid of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, while Shreyas Iyer was also gone. Stoinis, Shashank and Suryansh tried to put some runs on, but Hazlewood and then Rasikh Dar in the final over put the nail in the coffin.
Key takeaways for RCB
So all eyes are on RCB to see what the doctors say about Salt and how fast he gets up to speed. The call on Friday’s team will tell you what they’re after, but the plan is simple: lock in the top place and take your best pair to Dharamsala.
The big picture for the defending champions is clear:
– Salt’s return restores proven powerplay firepower.
– Bethell’s numbers strengthen the selection case.
– Top spot keeps the Qualifier 1 safety net.
– Dharamsala form hints at depth and composure.
