England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Salt has expressed enthusiasm about opening the batting with Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Salt, acquired by RCB for ₹11.50 crore in the mega auction, praised Kohli’s competitive spirit, stating, “Virat Kohli is such a good man. He’s so chilled. But for the game, he’s a super competitor, he likes to get in this, he likes to fight, he likes battle. We’re getting on pretty well, I’m pretty happy alongside batting with him.”
Cricket analysts have highlighted that Salt’s aggressive style complements Kohli’s approach, potentially forming a formidable opening partnership. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra remarked that Salt’s inclusion could lead to explosive starts for RCB, especially given the batting-friendly conditions at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB’s batting lineup for IPL 2025 looks robust. Rajat Patidar is slated for the number three position, followed by England’s Liam Livingstone and Australia’s Tim David in the middle order. This combination aims to provide depth and flexibility to the team’s batting strategy.
The 18th edition of the IPL is set to commence on March 22, 2025, with RCB facing the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, in the opening match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. RCB, under new captain Rajat Patidar, is determined to secure their maiden IPL title this season.
