6 days ago
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar said that opening batter Phil Salt was adjacent to returning to enactment but added that the telephone connected whether helium volition play IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans was yet to beryllium taken.
The Englishman had near for the U.K. aft suffering a digit wounded successful the crippled against Delhi Capitals connected April 18. Salt was acceptable to rejoin the squad up of the playoffs but helium was not contiguous during signifier connected the eve of the game. “Salt is fit. He is nether observation. He has been participating successful a fewer drills but we haven’t decided connected our playing XI yet. We volition look astatine the transportation and decide,” Patidar told reporters connected Monday (May 25, 2026).
Jacob Bethell deputised for his compatriot earlier helium was ruled retired owed to a near ring-finger injury. Venkatesh Iyer opened the batting successful Bethell’s lack and contributed a accelerated 44 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He had besides filled successful for Patidar successful the middle-order during the contention against Punjab Kings. Patidar hailed Venkatesh’s versatility with the bat, which has allowed the squad to slot him successful astatine immoderate spot.
“I person known Venky since childhood. He has a large cognition and is acceptable to bat anyplace successful the order. He was a main subordinate astatine Kolkata Knight Riders but erstwhile helium came here, helium didn’t get a batch of chances successful the beginning. He accepted that and ensured helium was prepared erstwhile the accidental came to currency in,” the skipper said.
