RCB Urged To Drop 'This' Superstar Upon Phil Salt's Return To Playing XI In IPL 2026

RCB [Source: AP Photos]

The excitement around Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has increased ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) playoffs as star batter Phil Salt has finally returned to the team camp. Notably, the explosive opener had missed several IPL matches due to a finger injury.

However, Phil Salt is now fully fit and expected to play in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans on at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday, May 26.

RCB Decide Not To Rush Phil Salt Back Into Action

It is important to note that RCB decided not to rush Phil Salt back into action. Therefore, he was rested for the league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. Notably, the management wanted him completely fit for the important playoff games.

Before getting injured, Phil Salt was in outstanding form. He scored 202 runs at an average of 33.67 and maintained a stunning strike rate of 168.33. Notably, even during his absence, RCB performed brilliantly and finished at the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 9 wins and 5 losses.

Venkatesh Iyer Impresses Everyone With His Batting 

While Salt was unavailable, Venkatesh Iyer grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Although he did not get many chances throughout the season, he delivered impactful performances whenever the team needed him. 

Firstly, against Rajasthan Royals, RCB were struggling at 125/7. However, Iyer played a quick knock of 29 runs from just 15 balls and helped the team reach 201/8.

Later, he produced an even more memorable innings against Punjab Kings. After captain Rajat Patidar got injured, Iyer stepped up and smashed 73 runs from only 40 balls. His aggressive batting played a key role in RCB’s victory.

Also Read: Phil Salt Final Decision Taken At RCB After Playoff Qualification In IPL 2026

Moreover, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Iyer opened the innings and scored 44 runs from just 19 deliveries. Although RCB lost the match, his fearless batting gave the team a strong start while chasing a massive target.

Virender Sehwag Wants RCB To Retain Venkatesh Iyer

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has now shared his opinion on RCB’s selection dilemma. According to Sehwag, Venkatesh Iyer should not be dropped from the playing XI even after Phil Salt’s return.

Sehwag praised Iyer’s intent and attacking style. He pointed out that Iyer performs best in the top order and has already shown his value in pressure situations this season.

Interestingly, Sehwag suggested that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma should make way for Salt instead. He believes Jitesh has struggled for consistency and has not been in the best form recently.

"Venkatesh Iyer is at his best when batting in the top order. He played his best knocks for KKR in that position. For RCB, he hasn't had many chances at his preferred spot. But when Rajat Patidar was injured, he came in at number four against Punjab and played a match-winning 73," Sehwag said on JioStar.

RCB's Dilemma Ahead Of Qualifier 1

At the moment, RCB face a pleasant but difficult selection problem. On one side, Phil Salt brings experience and explosive batting. On the other side, Venkatesh Iyer has performed brilliantly under pressure and impressed with his fearless approach.

As a result, the team management now has an important decision to make before the high-pressure Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans.

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