Ajinkya Rahane stated that Phil Salt utilized his experience with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure a dominant seven-wicket victory in the opening match of IPL 2025. On Saturday, March 22, Salt played a crucial knock of 56 runs off 31 balls, leading RCB to chase down 175 with 22 balls remaining.
After being released by KKR ahead of the mega auction, RCB acquired the English batter for Rs 11.50 crore. Salt justified the investment by delivering in the very first game. Ajinkya Rahane noted that Phil Salt was well aware of KKR’s strengths and had a good understanding of the conditions at Eden Gardens.
“This is the nature of this tournament, you know, every 2-3 years players will change, but the core remains the same.”
”And when you’re playing for a certain franchise and after one or two seasons, you go and play for another franchise, you know their strengths, what kind of cricket they play, and what type of bowlers they have,” Rahane said in the post-match press conference.
Rahane praises Phil Salt’s batting, highlights his advantage in familiar conditions
“So obviously Phil Salt had that advantage, he’s been batting really well. Last year, for KKR, he had a brilliant season. So again, he knows these conditions pretty well. So, hats off to him, he batted really well,” Rahane said.
“That’s the advantage all the players get, whoever actually switched franchises, and when they play against each other, I mean, that’s the advantage they have,” Rahane added.
Phil Salt had an impressive season with KKR last year, amassing 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.54 and a striking rate of 182. His partnerships with Sunil Narine played a key role in setting up several of KKR’s victories.
Meanwhile, KKR will aim to bounce back when they take on Riyan Parag’s Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 26 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
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