Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar said that opening batter Phil Salt was close to returning to action but added that the call on whether he will play IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans was yet to be taken.

The Englishman had left for the U.K. after suffering a finger injury in the game against Delhi Capitals on April 18. Salt was set to rejoin the squad ahead of the playoffs but he was not present during practice on the eve of the game. “Salt is fit. He is under observation. He has been participating in a few drills but we haven’t decided on our playing XI yet. We will look at the pitch and decide,” Patidar told reporters on Monday (May 25, 2026).

Jacob Bethell deputised for his compatriot before he was ruled out due to a left ring-finger injury. Venkatesh Iyer opened the batting in Bethell’s absence and contributed a rapid 44 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He had also filled in for Patidar in the middle-order during the contest against Punjab Kings. Patidar hailed Venkatesh’s versatility with the bat, which has allowed the team to slot him in at any spot.

“I have known Venky since childhood. He has a great attitude and is ready to bat anywhere in the order. He was a main player at Kolkata Knight Riders 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,” the captain said.