How can Phil Salt fit into RCB's 11 against GT in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1?

Phil Salt is expected to be fit to play in Qualifier 1 against GT.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League 2026. The encounter will take place on May 26 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Ahead of the playoffs, Phil Salt’s return to the RCB squad is a big boost for the side. He sustained a finger injury while fielding in the clash against the Delhi Capitals on April 18. As a result, he returned to the United Kingdom for recovery.

He recently joined the RCB squad and is expected to play against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. In six games, Salt has scored 202 runs with two half-centuries.

However, Salt’s return will add woes to RCB’s selection calls as they will need to find a place for him in the playing XI. Bengaluru have looked balanced in recent games, and they need to be careful before making any changes to their side.

Moreover, Venkatesh Iyer, who opened the innings alongside Virat Kohli in the previous encounter, has impressed with his performances, and benching him in the upcoming match would be a risky decision. Below are two options for how RCB can fit Phil Salt in their playing XI in Qualifier 1.

How can RCB fit Phil Salt into their playing XI vs GT?

Replace Romario Shepherd with Phil Salt

The best option for RCB is to replace Romario Shepherd with Salt in the playing XI. Shepherd has struggled with his form this season. He has scored just 83 runs in seven innings and picked 7 wickets at an economy of 11.79.

With his failure to score runs and take wickets, he has put pressure on other teammates. Hence, Salt can be included in the playing XI as his replacement.

Replace Jitesh Sharma with Salt

Another possible option would be to play Salt in place of Jitesh Sharma. However, RCB are unlikely to take this option. Jitesh has completely flopped with his batting in IPL 2026, scoring just 90 runs in 10 innings at a poor strike rate of 118.42.

Salt can bat as an opener and also keep the wickets. Hence, he can replace Jitesh as the wicket-keeper in the playing XI in Qualifier 1.

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