For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the playoffs of IPL 2025 could turn out to be manameying. A few crucial games might be missed by their batter, Phil Salt. He missed the last two matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC), owing to a sudden high fever. But he is feeling better now and with RCB qualifying into the playoffs along with Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI), there could be another reason why he might not be playing.`
According to ESPNcricinfo, Salt could just miss out on the playoffs because he and his girlfriend, Abi McLaven, are expecting a baby. The duo has been together since 2020, and Abi works as a freelance virtual assistant in social media marketing and business consulting.
Salt has played a terrific season with RCB, especially alongside Virat Kohli at the top. In nine matches, he amassed 239 runs at an average of 26.56, with a high strike rate of 168.31.
Recently, RCB have signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert to replace young English batter Jacob Bethell, who was standing in for Salt when he fell ill but is now heading off to join England for the white-ball series against West Indies. If anything, Seifert’s signing might be giving credence to the rumors of Salt stepping away soon, but as of now, there is nothing concrete to this effect.
Read Also:- IPL 2025 Points Table
RCB head coach Andy Flower said that Salt is fit and can play in the league games against SRH and LSG. Presently, RCB stands at sit 2 on the point table with 17 points. Winning both the remaining games will allow them a finish in the top two. Even winning one could suffice, depending on how GT and PBKS go in their matches. But losing both will mean an outside-at tetrad for finish for RCB.
