Will Phil Salt play tonight in RCB vs GT final of IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Phil Salt has missed last few games for RCB in IPL 2026.
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), are going to play Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on May 31, 2026. RCB will be aiming for back-to-back titles, which would make them the third team to achieve this feat after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI).
RCB will enter the IPL 2026 final with heavy confidence after their dominating 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Bengaluru have looked balanced throughout the season, with both the batting and bowling departments performing consistently in crucial moments.
GT, meanwhile, have shown excellent temperament; they bounce back after losing Qualifier 1, defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 and booked their spot in the final. However, it’s going to be a high-voltage clash between both teams as they have plenty of match winners.
Will Phil Salt play RCB vs GT IPL 2026 final?
According to RCB captain Rajat Patidar, Salt has recovered from the injury. He has participated in training sessions, and a few reports say that he has completed rehabilitation successfully and is medically fit.
Despite being fit, Salt was not included in the XI for Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans. RCB went with Venkatesh Iyer, who is doing a phenomenal job at the top of the order. RCB may not want to disturb their winning combination, so they are likely to go with the same XI against GT in the IPL 2026 final.
Several reports claimed that Salt was present during the practice sessions but did not participate extensively, which means team management is unlikely to make changes in the playing XI. However, the final decision is expected to be taken shortly before the toss.
Phil Salt’s IPL 2026 Journey So Far
Before suffering an injury, Phil Salt played an important role for RCB during the early stages of IPL 2026. He scored 202 runs in six matches at a strike rate of over 168 and gave his team a good start alongside Virat Kohli.
Salt suffered a finger injury while attempting to stop a boundary near the ropes during RCB’s league stage match against Delhi Capitals on April 18, 2026. Phil Salt flew back to the UK for scans and rehab, and he was away for nearly a month before rejoining the RCB squad ahead of the IPL 2026 Playoffs.
Will Phil Salt Play in the RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final
Phil Salt is available for selection, but RCB have not officially confirmed whether he will be included in the playing XI. However, RCB may go with unchanged Playing XI in the Finals.
Who replaced Phil Salt in RCB’s Playing XI?
Venkatesh Iyer opened for RCB in Salt’s absence and played in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans.
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Amit Patel is a passionate sports enthusiast and a devoted Virat Kohli admirer who proudly supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having been involved in sports from a young age, he has played chess at the district level and represented his college in various competitions. Amit closely follows Indian cricket, with a special interest in tracking young talents and rising stars making their mark at the highest level. Alongside his love for the game, he is an experienced sports content writer who enjoys crafting stories that connect with fans.