RCB star Phil Salt likely to miss the IPL 2025 playoffs: Reports

Royal Challengers Bengaluru could be dealt a major setback ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. The team, already dealing with the unavailability of Josh Hazlewood, could miss another vital overseas pick. Latest reports from the RCB camp suggest that Phil Salt might be unavailable due to the imminent arrival of his child. While there are claims that Salt is still in India, there's been no official word to confirm his whereabouts or his availability for the remainder of IPL 2025. Phil Salt had missed two fixtures before the suspension of the season after falling ill with a fever. With RCB yet to play a match after the IPL 2025 resumption, the team were optimistic for the return of the opener.

Awaiting the birth of his child, Phil Salt could leave the RCB camp ahead of IPL 2025 playoffs

RCB have already secured a spot in the playoffs alongside Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians. The team is currently holding the second position on the IPL 2025 points table with 17 points in 12 matches. Placed only behind Gujarat Titans currently, RCB remains in strong contention for a top-two finish, with two group-stage games still to be played. Lined up next is the RCB vs SRH match in Lucknow on Friday. Their last match at the group stage is against Lucknow Super Giants at the same venue. While Salt is reportedly available to play the league stage matches, the English opener would leave before the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Phil Salt has been a vital cog in the RCB lineup this season, providing explosive starts at the top of the order. In the nine matches he has played, Salt has racked up 239 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 168.31. His ability to take charge early in the innings, especially in the powerplay, has consistently put the opposition on the back foot. Should he be unavailable for the final leg of the tournament, RCB would undoubtedly feel the absence of his aggression and momentum at the top.

Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell, who filled in for Salt in RCB's last two matches, is also unavailable, as he is set to leave for England's white-ball series against Zimbabwe. If Salt departs as well, the team could face significant trouble in finding an ideal opening partner for Virat Kohli in the IPL 2025 playoffs. On a positive note for the team, however, Josh Hazlewood, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, is likely to return for the playoffs.