Virat Kohli and Phil Salt Train Together Ahead of IPL 2026 Season
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared a video showing star batsmen Virat Kohli and Phil Salt training together in a practice session. In the clip, Kohli turned bowler to help Salt with his batting technique, as the English opener looks to overcome a recent dip in form ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
Dominant Opening Partnership That Delivered RCB's Maiden Title
Kohli and Salt have emerged as one of the most destructive opening duos in IPL history. Last season, their partnership played a crucial role in helping RCB lift their maiden title after 18 years of waiting. The duo consistently provided aggressive starts, with Salt taking on the role of the primary aggressor while Kohli anchored the innings with his trademark consistency.
In their 13 innings together during the title-winning campaign, they accumulated an impressive 565 runs as an opening pair. Their standout performances included:
- A 95-run partnership in just 8.3 overs against KKR while chasing 175, with Salt scoring 56 (31) and Kohli remaining unbeaten on 59* (36)
- A 92-run opening stand against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur during a nine-wicket victory, where Salt smashed 65 (33) and Kohli finished with 62* (45)
Individual Contributions to RCB's Historic 2025 Title Win
Both players delivered exceptional individual performances during RCB's championship season:
Phil Salt played a vital role for RCB in IPL 2025, scoring 403 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 175.98, including four half-centuries that consistently provided explosive starts.
Virat Kohli had a stellar season, amassing 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75. He played a key role throughout the tournament, including a crucial 43-run knock in the final against Punjab Kings that helped secure RCB's historic victory.
Kohli's Support for Salt Amid Recent Form Concerns
Despite Salt's recent struggles in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 130 runs in eight innings, Kohli has shown strong support for his opening partner. Salt remains recognized as one of the most destructive T20 batters globally, and RCB's management continues to back him to regain his peak form.
RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, expressed confidence in Salt during a press conference on Tuesday (March 24): "Someone like Phil Salt is still ranked among the top two or three T20 batters in the world. He also really enjoys being with RCB. He enjoys the franchise. He enjoys his partnership with Virat [Kohli]. He works very well with the likes of Andy and DK [Dinesh Karthik]. So, they're doing some really good work right now."
Bobat added: "I'm pretty sure we'll see at the start of the season Phil Salt doing his thing. You know, I'm looking forward to watching him and Virat walk out to bat like they do. A couple of gladiators walking out, which is always exciting. And they'll be trying to put the opposition under pressure. We've got a lot of confidence in our team. In particular, with your question, we do have confidence in Phil Salt."
The training session between Kohli and Salt demonstrates RCB's preparation for their title defense in IPL 2026, with the franchise banking on their successful opening combination to deliver another championship-winning performance.
