There was a big surprise in the IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday evening.
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People were waiting to see Phil Salt in action, like always. But when the toss happened, RCB Captain Rajat Patidar said that Salt was not playing. Instead, young Jacob Bethell got his first match for RCB today.
RCB is playing against DC at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and they had to make this change at the last minute. Salt, who has been smashing bowlers this season in the powerplay, missed out.
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Fans are wondering what will happen in the second innings - will Salt come out to bat? Or is he completely ruled out for the clash? Let's find out.
Why is Phil Salt not playing for RCB today?
RCB captain Patidar said during the toss that Salt is feeling sick and has a fever. He is not playing tonight's match due to this reason.
Salt has been very important for RCB this season. In 9 matches, he has made 239 runs at an explosive strike rate of over 168. Every time he has opened the innings with Virat Kohli, RCB has got flying starts.
Now, without him, it may be a little tricky for them to get the strong starts at the top. This is also the first match of IPL 2025 where Salt is missing. He played all the games before today.
Who is replacing Phil Salt for RCB?
In place of Salt, RCB have brought in Jacob Bethell. This is the first-ever IPL match for Bethell, and fans are curious to see how he will perform.
Bethell might open the innings along with Kohli, or RCB could look at in-form Devdutt Padikkal, who has opened previously for the franchise.
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Can Phil Salt still bat if needed?
No, Salt will not bat today. Since he is not part of the playing XI and is officially ruled out because of a fever, he cannot come back to bat in the second innings.
RCB also has four foreigners in their playing 11 which rules him out as an impact sub as well.
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