Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Phil Salt brushed aside concerns around his form in IPL 2026 after delivering a match-winning knock for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians, saying his focus remains on impact rather than milestones.
Salt smashed a blistering 78 off 36 balls at the Wankhede Stadium, setting the tone for RCB’s commanding total of 240. The innings, which earned him the Player of the Match award, came at a time when questions were being raised about his consistency this season.
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“There’s a few highs and a lot of lows, and you can’t ride both of them. Just stay as even as you can, and I’m just pleased I could come out and put a performance in for the lads,” Salt said after the match.
“Some of these grounds aren’t the most bowler-friendly, so you’ve got to keep the mentality that you’re going to keep going at the opposition. And then not forget your assets as a player. It’s about being a match-winner, isn’t it?” he added.
“I know I can’t get runs every game, nobody can. But if I can be as impactful as possible, then I’m on the right path,” Salt said.
Salt’s innings was built on pure intent. He took charge in the powerplay, attacking from the outset and putting Mumbai’s bowlers under pressure. His ability to take on spin stood out, including a sequence where he hit three consecutive sixes off Mitchell Santner.
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While Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a steady half-century, Salt’s early assault ensured RCB gained the upper hand. The momentum was later carried forward by captain Rajat Patidar, whose quickfire knock pushed the total beyond 240.
With the ball, RCB maintained control through the middle overs, with Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya ensuring Mumbai never fully recovered despite a late push.
HOW HAS SALT’S IPL 2026 BEEN SO FAR?
Salt’s season has been a mix of starts and setbacks. He began with a low score against Sunrisers Hyderabad, followed by a decent contribution against Chennai Super Kings, before registering a duck against Rajasthan Royals.
Those performances had put him under some scrutiny, especially after a strong IPL 2025 campaign where he scored over 400 runs.
However, the knock against Mumbai showed what he brings at his best. Salt remains one of the most dangerous T20 openers, capable of changing the course of a game within a few overs.
Rather than chasing consistency in numbers, his approach is centred around influence. And on nights like the one at Wankhede, that mindset proves exactly why he remains such a valuable asset for RCB.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
