Phil Salt back for IPL final after UK baby trip?

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare for their biggest match in nearly a decade — their first IPL final since 2016 — a last-minute hurdle has added unexpected tension. After years of heartbreak and close calls, RCB’s hopes this season have been powered in large part by opener Phil Salt. But just ahead of the title clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), speculation swirled that Salt might miss the final due to the birth of his child. Now, a fresh report claims the English batter has returned to Ahmedabad after making a quick trip to the UK, easing concerns among fans.

Phil Salt’s absence from training fuelled doubts

The buzz began when Salt was notably absent from RCB’s training session on the eve of the final. Whispers soon became widespread speculation after ESPNCricinfo reported that Salt could miss the game entirely to be with his partner, Abe Salt, for the birth of their first child. According to the report, Salt wasn’t even expected to be in Ahmedabad, with his priorities understandably shifting towards his growing family.

Both RCB head coach Andy Flower and captain Rajat Patidar remained tight-lipped on the matter. Given the high stakes, their silence only added fuel to the fire. Notably, Flower has built a bit of a reputation for mind games, often sending injured players out for warm-ups just to keep the opposition second-guessing his playing XI.

Phil Salt made a quick trip to the UK?

Just as fans began to brace themselves for Salt’s absence in the title clash, a viral claim started making rounds on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The post, shared by user Sagar Dutt, suggests that Phil Salt made a quick trip to the UK for the birth of his child and returned to Ahmedabad early Tuesday morning, touching down around 3 am—just hours before the final. 

The caption of the post read, "Confirmed with brother-in-law: Phil Salt landed at the airport in in Ahmedabad last night around 3 AM. He is playing the IPL!"

Confirmed with brother in law:

Phil salt landed at airport ahmedabad last night around 3 AM.

He is definitely playing the IPL! @RcbianOfficial @Rcb_Xtra @RCBXTRAOFFICIA pic.twitter.com/9I30OKClNa

— Sagar Dutt (@iSagardutt) June 3, 2025

A post by ESPN Cricinfo then also confirmed the same, writing, "Phil Salt has returned to Ahmedabad this morning after having gone home for the birth of his child."

Update: Phil Salt has returned to Ahmedabad this morning after having gone home for the birth of his child #RCBvPBKS #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Nh9JjfAYZy

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 3, 2025

Fans are now raving about Phil Salt’s “crazy commitment,” calling it a heroic move.  While there's still no official word from the franchise, the image has sparked hope among the RCB faithful that Salt may, in fact, take the field in this historic match.

Will Tim David play in the finale?

While fans are holding their breath over Salt's last-minute return, there's also uncertainty around Tim David’s spot in the RCB lineup for the final. David, who’s been out with a hamstring injury, is still being assessed by the medical team, and even RCB's skipper admitted he has “no idea” if the power-hitter will be match-ready.

With Salt possibly flying back in just in time and David still in doubt, RCB’s final XI might come down to the wire, leaving fans anxious and hoping their key overseas players make it to the field when it matters most.

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