Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar said opening batter Phil Salt is close to returning from injury but added that the call on whether he will play Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala is yet to be taken.

The England opener had left for the UK after suffering a finger injury during the game against the Delhi Capitals on April 18. Salt was set to rejoin the squad ahead of the Playoffs, but he was not present with the team during practice on the eve of the game.

“Salt is fit. He is under observation from the doctor. He has been participating in a few drills but we haven’t decided on our playing eleven yet. We will look at the wicket and decide,” Patidar told reporters.

Jacob Bethell deputised for his compatriot through the league phase before he was also ruled out of the final league game due to a left ring-finger injury. Venkatesh Iyer opened the batting in Bethell’s absence and contributed a rapid 44. The lanky Madhya Pradesh opener had also filled in for Patidar in the middle order during the contest against Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium here. Patidar hailed Venkatesh’s versatility with the bat, which has allowed the team to slot him in wherever necessary.

“I have known Venky since childhood. He has a great attitude and is ready to bat anywhere in the order. He was a main player at KKR but when he came here, he didn’t get a lot of chances in the beginning. He accepted that and ensured he was prepared when the chance came to cash in,” the captain said.

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Victory against the Titans will propel RCB to a second straight final and a chance to get a few days of rest before the summit clash. Patidar said the team has been speaking about winning every match it plays and hence the possibility of a break isn’t required for added motivation.

Patidar also stayed clear of commenting on the flat pitches on offer in India’s top T20 tournament. He, however, provided a leaning shoulder to the bowlers saying that they are having to work extra hard to keep up.

“The pitches are batting friendly and the boundaries are small. Faster bowlers especially don’t get much extra cushion. Even if there is a little mistake, it goes straight for six. So, it’s a little more challenging for the bowlers,” Patidar said.

Published on May 25, 2026