Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has recommended that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retain Venkatesh Iyer as the opening partner for Virat Kohli in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Tuesday. Doull argued that it would be challenging for England batter Phil Salt to return immediately after a prolonged injury break.
Selection Dilemma for RCB
The Qualifier 1 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans will determine the first finalist of IPL 2026. RCB faces a selection debate over their opening pair, with the management deciding whether to reinstate Salt after his injury or continue with Venkatesh Iyer, who has impressed with strong performances against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Jacob Bethell, who crossed the 20-run mark only twice during Salt's absence, has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury and has returned to England.
Doull's Analysis
Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Doull stated, "I would stick with Venkatesh Iyer as the opener alongside Virat Kohli. Phil Salt has been out for three and a half weeks. Coming back from a long layoff, especially with a finger injury, is never easy. He is a quality player and has done well for RCB and England in T20s, but match fitness and shot-timing take time to return. The playoffs are not the place to test that."
Doull highlighted Venkatesh's explosive 19-ball 44 against SRH and his half-century against Punjab Kings, noting that the batter has built a good rhythm with Kohli. "Yes, Salt has a stronger partnership record with Virat, but in cricket, you always go with the player in form. Form matters more than reputation, especially in knockout games. The biggest risk is bringing in someone who hasn't played competitive cricket for weeks. I would continue with Venkatesh at the top. Phil Salt is too good an option to have on the bench, but right now, Venkatesh deserves to keep his place," he added.
Player Statistics
In five IPL matches and four innings across opening and middle-order roles, Venkatesh Iyer has scored 158 runs at an average of 79.00 and a strike rate of 177.52, including one half-century and a best score of 73 not out. In contrast, Phil Salt has made 202 runs in six innings at the top of the order at an average of 33.66 and a strike rate above 168, with two fifties and a highest score of 78.
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