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IPL 2025: How KKR Can Stop Ex-Knight Phil Salt From Becoming The Most Dangerous Threat

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Phil Salt for KKR in IPL 2024 [Source: @KKRKaFan/x.com]Phil Salt for KKR in IPL 2024 [Source: @KKRKaFan/x.com]

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The defending champions of IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders will start their 2025 campaign with the match against one of their arch-rivals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In 2024, KKR managed to win both their games against RCB and in their championship run, Phil Salt played a huge role.

As we set foot in the 2025 season, equations have changed a lot between the teams. The English opening batter, Salt who was a part of KKR last season will now be playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 18th edition. 

Phil Salt's KKR Journey

During his time with KKR, Phil Salt scored 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.55 and a strike rate of 182.01. His aggressive batting with consistency at the top of the order set the tone for his team in most of the games and was a driving force in KKR's championship run.

Exploiting Technical Weaknesses

Phil Salt dismissal against bowling types [Source: OneCricket]Phil Salt dismissal against bowling types [Source: OneCricket]

KKR's bowling arsenal is well-equipped to target Salt's specific vulnerabilities:

  • Right Arm Medium Pace has claimed 7 of his dismissals (primarily caught in the outfield).
  • Short of Good Length, Outside Off deliveries have a 9.3% dismissal rate.
  • Good Length, Outside Off has accounted for 6 dismissals.

Phil Salt's Dismissal Data [Source: OneCricket]Phil Salt's Dismissal Data [Source: OneCricket]

His favorite pull shot, while productive (83 runs from 42 attempts), has also led to 4 dismissals when mistimed.

All the datas are from IPL 2023-24.

KKR's Tactical Blueprint vs Phil Salt

For the powerplay, KKR should deploy Anrich Nortje and Harshit Rana with a specific plan to bowl short of good length outside off. Sunil Narine could be a surprise powerplay weapon, as Salt has shown vulnerability against quality off-spin (SR 176.47 but with dismissals).

If Salt survives into the middle overs, Varun Chakravarthy and Mayank Markande (if he plays) should target his 116.67 strike rate against leg spin, while Andre Russell's medium pace can exploit his tendency to miscue attacking shots against changes of pace.

The KKR think tank possesses the ultimate advantage – they've watched Salt in training sessions throughout 2024, understanding his preparation routines and technical adjustments. This psychological edge, combined with data-driven match-ups, will be crucial in their strategy to dismiss their former teammate early.