Phil Salt has quickly become a fan favourite at RCB, and his own words make it clear why the move worked so well. Here’s a simple look at why he calls Royal Challengers Bengaluru a “perfect fit” and how his role shaped their title-winning season.

Why Phil Salt Felt RCB Was “Perfectly Aligned”

Salt said that from the moment RCB picked him at the IPL 2025 auction, he felt the franchise suited his style of play. The attacking brand of cricket RCB are known for matched his natural game as an aggressive top-order batter and wicketkeeper. He also praised the clear communication from the management, especially from director of cricket Mo Bobat, who explained exactly what role they wanted him to play.

This clarity made his transition smooth and gave him confidence before the season even began. Salt felt that RCB understood his strengths, and he could see how his powerplay hitting and fearless approach would fit into their plans.

Impactful Season: Runs, Role And Title

RCB bought Phil Salt for ₹11.50 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, and the investment paid off in style. Opening the innings, he scored 403 runs in 13 matches, including four half-centuries, giving RCB fast, solid starts at the top. His consistent striking was one of the pillars of their batting and a key reason behind their successful campaign.

Those runs helped RCB finally break their long drought and win their first-ever IPL title, ending an 18-year wait. They defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final, giving the loyal fanbase the trophy they had been craving since the league began.

Back-to-Back Titles With Two Franchises

Salt’s success with RCB came right after another special season. In IPL 2024, he played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and scored 435 runs in 12 games in their title-winning campaign. A year later, he lifted the trophy again, this time with RCB, making him one of the rare players to win back-to-back IPL titles with two different franchises.

This back-to-back success shows how valuable his explosive batting and adaptability are in T20 cricket. For RCB, it also meant they were getting a player who already knew what it takes to win a long, high-pressure tournament.

Retained And Ready For The Next Season

Ahead of the upcoming auction on December 16, RCB have retained Phil Salt, underlining how central he is to their plans. The list of retained players includes big names like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Josh Hazlewood and others alongside Salt. Among the released names are players like Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi and Blessing Muzarabani.

With Salt retained, RCB can continue to build their top order around his attacking starts, allowing their middle order to play with more freedom. For Salt, the retention is another sign that the “alignment” he spoke about is real and long-term.