Phil Salt and RCB's English Trio Set to Rejoin IPL 2025 Action

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to welcome back key players, including Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, and Liam Livingstone, as IPL 2025 resumes on May 17. After a brief suspension, the team is eager to continue their winning momentum, currently sitting second in the standings. With Salt's impressive performance and the return of other international stars, RCB looks poised for a strong finish in the league. Fans can anticipate an exciting match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, with playoff hopes on the line. Will RCB secure their spot in the playoffs? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 15, 2025, 17:44 IST

Phil Salt Returns to RCB Ahead of IPL Resumption

Phil Salt, the English batsman, has rejoined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the IPL 2025 resumes on Saturday, May 17. The tournament had a brief hiatus but is now ready to kick off again. Alongside Salt, fellow English players Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone are also making their return, completing the lineup of RCB's key foreign players.

The suspension of the IPL raised concerns regarding the availability of international players, many of whom had returned home. However, RCB supporters can breathe easier now that their English trio is back and eager to compete.

During the season, Salt has participated in nine matches, scoring 239 runs with an average of 26.55 and a strike rate of 168.30, which includes two half-centuries. In his absence, Jacob Bethell has emerged as a standout performer, notably scoring a rapid half-century against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) while partnering with Virat Kohli at the top of the order.

RCB has also welcomed back Tim David, the Australian power hitter, and Romario Shepherd, the West Indian all-rounder. David has delivered several impactful performances this season, while Shepherd's match-winning innings against CSK played a crucial role in securing a victory.

In their upcoming match, RCB will face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Currently, RCB is positioned second in the standings with eight victories and 16 points from 11 matches. They enter this match on a winning streak, having secured victories in their last four games.

A single win from their remaining three league matches will guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. With the return of their key overseas players, RCB appears well-prepared for a top-two finish. Additionally, there are indications that Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood may rejoin the squad soon, further enhancing their chances of clinching the title.