Will Phil Salt Play in RCB vs GT Qualifier 1? Rajat Patidar Gives Big Injury Update

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar said opener Phil Salt is close to returning from injury before Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. However, RCB has not yet made a final decision on whether he will play in the important playoff match in Dharamsala. Salt’s return could be a big boost for RCB as a win would take them straight to the IPL 2026 final. RCB will take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 after finishing at the top of the points table despite their heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final league-stage game.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Patidar confirmed that Salt has resumed training activities but said the management will take a late call on his inclusion.

“Salt is fit. He is under observation from the doctor. He has been participating in a few drills but we haven’t decided on our playing eleven yet. We will look at the wicket and decide,” Patidar said.

Phil Salt had returned to the United Kingdom after suffering a finger injury during RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals on April 18. Although he was expected to rejoin the squad before the playoffs, the England opener was not seen training with the team ahead of the clash against Gujarat Titans.

Salt’s return could give a major boost to RCB’s batting lineup in the playoffs. Before getting injured, he was one of the most attacking openers in IPL 2026 and played an important role in helping Bengaluru finish in the top two. His aggressive batting in the powerplay often gave RCB strong starts throughout the season.

Phil Salt Close to Return as RCB Awaits Final Call Ahead of Qualifier 1

 

RCB had already suffered another setback in Salt’s absence after Jacob Bethell injured his left ring finger during the match against Punjab Kings. Bethell subsequently missed the final league-stage fixture against SRH, forcing the team into another batting reshuffle. That saw Venkatesh Iyer promoted to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli during the massive 256-run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Venkatesh responded with a rapid 44 off just 19 balls and gave RCB an explosive start despite the eventual defeat.

If Phil Salt is declared fit for Qualifier 1, he is likely to return directly to RCB’s playing XI. That could move Venkatesh Iyer back to the middle order, a role he played earlier this season.RCB captain Rajat Patidar also praised Venkatesh Iyer for his positive attitude during the tournament. Patidar appreciated the left-hander for adapting to different batting positions despite getting limited chances in the early part of the season.

“I have known Venky since childhood. He has a great attitude and is ready to bat anywhere in the order,” Patidar said.

“He was a main player at KKR but when he came here, he didn’t get a lot of chances in the beginning. He accepted that and ensured he was prepared when the chance came to cash in.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru now head into their biggest match of IPL 2026 knowing that a win against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 would secure them a direct place in the final. It would also give RCB valuable extra rest before the title clash as they aim to win their maiden IPL trophy.