Phil Salt has given an honest and simple insight into how his partnership with Virat Kohli worked during RCB’s title-winning IPL 2025 season. He explained that even without too many words, the understanding between the two at the top of the order came very naturally.

How the Salt–Kohli opening partnership worked

Salt said that for any opening pair, it is important to understand each other’s game, and that clicked early with Kohli at RCB. He explained that many things were decided on the field in real time, often without much talking – just by sensing how the other partner was going on that day. In some games, like the one in Jaipur, there was “not much chat” because it was clear Kohli was happy to rotate strike and let Salt take on the bowlers.

He added that on other days, such as a match in Delhi, either of them could have gone on a scoring spree, and it simply worked out that he took charge from the third over. According to Salt, some plans were discussed, but many things happened organically, like a “moving picture”, depending on rhythm, match situation, and who was seeing the ball better.

Why Salt felt RCB was the right team

Salt also spoke about his reaction after being bought by RCB at the IPL 2025 auction. His first thought was that RCB were a team he would “really suit playing for” because of the attacking brand of cricket they play and the way the franchise carries itself. From his first conversation with the team’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat, he understood exactly why they wanted him and what role they had in mind.

He said everything about the role – aggressive opening, setting the tone in the powerplay, and playing fearless cricket – felt aligned with his own game. That clarity, plus a strong core around him including Kohli, helped him settle quickly and contribute to RCB’s first-ever IPL title.

Salt on modern T20 batting mindset

Salt, who is now a key part of England’s T20I side, also spoke about the demands of modern T20 batting. He admitted that today’s cricket requires a very attacking style, which may not always be the most consistent approach, but is needed to keep up with the game. In his view, chasing personal awards like the Orange Cap no longer fits with how teams want to play.

For him and most of RCB’s batting group, the focus is fully on how to win as a team rather than individual numbers. Salt said he tries to stay process-driven – taking care of fitness, preparation, and small daily improvements – rather than getting obsessed with big goals or outcomes. When he chases results too hard, he loses clarity, something he “learned the hard way” earlier in his career.