The Royal Challengers Bengaluru came to face the Kolkata Knight Riders for the first time ever in this particular edition of the Indian Premier League only last evening at Raipur. However, that was well after fifty and more games had already been completed this season. But as expected, the contest turned out to be a belter, which was an excellent piece of news for both- those watching the live contest and those who were hooked into the important IPL contest from wherever they watched along. While Kolkata batted quite well to post a target well over 190 for the RCB to chase down, when it came to the second innings, then it was King Kohli’s decisive blade that led context to the run chase and added a substance of flair and gravitas to it all. Kohli unbeaten with a fine century and the captain of the side, Rajat Patidar delighted with the contest’s outcome.

And undoubtedly so, for it were the RCB that wrote the script of a dominant narrative against age old rivals in the IPL- that being Kolkata. However, all of that said and done, an important constituent of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp had been missing yet again from this action as seen at Raipur.

It was undoubtedly Phil Salt, the dangerous and usually dominant-with-the-bat right hander for Bengaluru who was indeed missed by those in attendance.

And perhaps that explains why Patidar, his captain, was asked about Phil Salt’s immediate availability

That told, it’s important to remember what had happened with Salt. 

In an important contest that took place on April 18 against the Delhi Capitals, Salt, while fielding sustained an injury onto his finger. Resultantly, he was found grimacing in pain and since then, has had to sit out of several games for his RCB side.  

Now, here’s why his presence matters for the side which is why his captain was asked about Salt returning- 

When the media asked about Phil Salt’s absence and when could he possibly feature next for the team, Rajat Patidar shared- “I don’t know when, but he will return!”

Right up the batting order, together Salt and Kohli have often led their team to blazing starts with the bat. They’ve played bravely with a dash of audacity and looked in complete control even against the best of bowlers out there. It’s their fluency with the bat and the relative control and freedom with which they exhibit their striking power that’s caught the imagination of the IPL fans.

And most importantly here’s why Salt is needed 

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are among the top ranked sides at this moment in the competition. They have beaten their closest rivals without much ado. And now with the IPL playoffs just around the corner, the well set batting pair of Salt and Kohli- who’ve stitched several key stands among themselves will hold the key once again to author the most important phase of this tournament.

And most importantly Salt is renowned for taking the bowlers head on and can easily up the ante of scoring early on in a competition. Hope he’s back soon with the side and on the field.