RCB's Powerplay Problem In Delhi: Phil Salt's Absence Exposes Top-Order Weakness

Aashay Chopade

Virat Kohli against DC in IPL (Source: AP Photos)Virat Kohli against DC in IPL (Source: AP Photos)

Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are three of the most popular teams in the IPL. The five IPL trophies is a common factor behind the popularity of MI and CSK, but RCB without those on-field performances have managed to form a cult follower group.

Phil Salt's Absence Creates Void In RCB's Top Order

Virat Kohli as everyone knows is the poster boy of the team and one of the main reasons for their popularity. However, they have been guilty of not forming a balanced unit over the years. In this season though, they have been more smart with their planning, and it has shown in their consistent positive results. 

They have managed to find players who can perform a specific role, and one of those is Phil Salt. He has been fantastic with his positive approach at the top of the order. Unfortunately for RCB, he missed the game against DC due to illness, and the game clearly showed importance of Salt in the powerplay with the bat.

The English wicketkeeper's job is to provide RCB fast starts in the powerplay with his aggressive batting, and he has done that with great effect this season. He has scored 212 runs in the powerplay out of the total 239, at a stunning strike-rate of 175.20. It is this onslaught from Salt that has given Virat Kohli time to play his natural game and build his innings.

Phil Salt's Performance In Powerplay Of IPL 2025

Criterion
Data
Innings9
Runs212
Balls121
Strike-Rate175.20

However, that cushion was not available in the game against DC. His replacement Jacob Bethell failed to make an impact and RCB could manage just 35 runs in the powerplay. It is a stark contrast to their powerplay run-rate of 9.48 this season. Also, that pressure of not scoring quickly induced false shots and RCB ended up losing three wickets in the initial six overs.

RCB's Balance Stand Out Despite Powerplay Struggle

Also, Phil Salt's aggressive approach has played a key role in giving RCB an early advantage on difficult batting tracks. The classic example of this is the game between RR and RCB at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. RCB were chasing a tricky target of 174 on a tough track, but Phil Salt came out all guns blazing in the run-chase and hit 65 off 33 balls at a strike-rate of 196.97. 

It eased all the required rate pressure and allowed Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal to get set, before they play their big shots. Thus, Phil Salt has played a critical role in RCB's success this year, and would need his services in the coming games. 

However, as mentioned earlier, RCB have managed to build a balanced squad this year. As a result, despite their struggle in the powerplay, they managed to clinch the game as Krunal Pandya emerged as a hero with the bat. Virat Kohli too supported him well and together, they did not let their team crumbled under pressure.

Thus, RCB will go into the next game with lot of positives from Delhi. However, they need to vary of their powerplay performance with the bat, and keep an alternative plan ready if Phil Salt does not play or fails to deliver in the initial six overs.