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

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.
๐๐๐ค๐ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ณ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฒโ๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค! ๐ฅ
โ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2025
After those jaw-dropping teasers, itโs time for the full blockbuster show! ๐#PlayBold #เฒจเฒฎเณเฒฎRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Tsnj7DIgYT
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.
Morphers activated. Our ๐ท๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐ are back. ๐
โ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2025
Right on time and ready to strike! โก๐ pic.twitter.com/ExyTQBYshD
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.