England opener Phil Salthas disclosed that his wife Abi McLavin told him to fly back to India and play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad. Salt left the RCB camp after the playoffs match against PBKS and returned to England to meet his wife, who delivered their baby boy. However, he returned to India to serve Bengaluru in the summit clash held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3.
Recently, the England batter spoke to ESPNcricinfo and said that it was his wife who encouraged him to participate in the summit clash. “I was in Ahmedabad two days before the final and got a call from the missus saying it was definitely happening. I got on the plane as quickly
as I could. Abi kicked me out the door, basically. She said, ‘You have to play.’ She made the decision for me, which was very funny—and very selfless of her,” remarked Salt.
Phil Salt’s performance for RCB in IPL 2025
Phil Salt served RCBas an opener in IPL 2025 and played a crucial role in the triumph. With 403 runs in 13 matches at a formidable strike rate of 175.98, he ended up as the second-leading run-getter for Challengers in the competition. In the playoffs win against PBKS, he smashed a quick 56 off 27 while in the final, he chipped in with his 16 off nine.
Salt has won two consecutive IPLtitles with the different teams. In 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third trophy and the English batter was a vital member of the squad. In Kolkata’s famous win, he contributed 435 runs in 12 games at a notable strike rate of 182.00. However, Salt couldn't play IPL 2024 final as he joined England for the national duty then.
