IPL 2025: Major boost for RCB ahead of final against PBKS

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a timely boost ahead of the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS), with England’s wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt rejoining the squad just hours before the big match.

The 28-year-old opener arrived in Ahmedabad early on Tuesday morning, putting to rest all concerns about his availability. Salt had flown back to England to be with his partner, Abe Salt, for the birth of their first child. His brief absence had sparked speculation that he might miss the final—a scenario that could have significantly impacted RCB’s title hopes.

However, those worries were eased after a fan spotted Salt at the Ahmedabad airport around 3:00 AM and shared a photo online, confirming his return.

Salt has been one of RCB’s key performers this season. In 12 matches, he has scored 387 runs at an average of 35.18, with an impressive strike rate of 175.90. He has hit four half-centuries so far, all of which came in winning causes for RCB. His best knock came against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, where he smashed 65 runs off 33 balls.

While Salt’s return is a major positive, RCB will likely be without power-hitter Tim David, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during a group-stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. David has not played since pulling up while fielding in the final over of that game.

Additionally, England’s Jacob Bethell has returned home to join the national team for their ongoing series against the West Indies, further reducing RCB’s overseas player options for the final.

RCB squad for IPL 2025 final:

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara.