Bengaluru, Dec 8 (UNI) Phil Salt says his growing partnership with Virat Kohli, clarity in role, and a process-driven approach have been central to his early confidence at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as revealed in the latest episode of the RCB Podcast.
Reflecting on his on-field chemistry with Kohli, Salt said understanding each other’s style was crucial for a successful opening pair. “You need to understand how they play, and they need to understand your game too… I’m really pleased with how it’s developing,” he said.
Salt underlined that modern T20 cricket demanded a far more aggressive approach, leaving little space for individual milestones. He said chasing the orange cap no longer aligned with the demands of the IPL. “Everything is centered around how we win as a team, and that is the most important thing,” he noted.
Explaining how he and Kohli decide the tempo in the middle, Salt said such calls often happen instinctively. “Sometimes it doesn’t even need words… Sometimes you talk it through, and sometimes it happens completely organically. It’s a moving picture,” he said.
Salt recalled feeling an immediate sense of alignment after being bought by RCB at the IPL 2025 auction. He said the franchise’s cricketing style and clarity of expectations suited him from the start. “I could clearly see why they wanted me and what role they had in mind,” he said.
On dealing with pressure, Salt said his focus remained rooted in daily routines and physical preparation. He added that setting big outcome-oriented targets often affected clarity. “Now everything for me is about small steps and daily progress, not being obsessed with results,” he said.
Salt acknowledged the legacy of overseas openers at RCB and the scrutiny that comes with batting alongside Kohli. He said he welcomed the pressure. “You don’t get bigger than Royal Challengers Bengaluru… That extra pressure excites me,” he said.
Making his first trip to Chennai with RCB, Salt said he quickly realised the magnitude of the rivalry with CSK. “It felt like a Manchester derby… Once you become aware of that history and that rivalry, you realise just how big that game really is,” he said.
Salt added that the overwhelming support from RCB fans, even in away venues, fueled his enjoyment and performance. “Everywhere we play, all you hear is ‘RCB, RCB’… I lean into that atmosphere, especially in a big game like one against CSK,” he said.
