Former New Zealand cricketer simon dole Venkatesh Iyer has been backed to continue opening alongside Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. RCB was the table-topper this season.
Doull believes that RCB should avoid rushing to bring Phil Salt back into the playing eleven after a long spell out due to injury. According to him, it can be difficult to return to peak rhythm and timing after being out for more than three weeks, especially in a high-pressure knockout game. Doull said he would stick with the in-form Iyer, who recently impressed with aggressive innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. He said that Salt has a strong partnership record with Kohli, but current form and match fitness should be given priority in the playoff matches.
“I would pick Venkatesh Iyer as an opener with Virat Kohli. Phil Salt has been out for three-and-a-half weeks. Being out for a long time, especially with a finger injury, is never easy. He is a quality player and has done well for RCB and England in T20s, but match fitness and shot-timing takes time to get back. The playoffs are not the place to test it. Venkatesh has been good in the last two matches. He played well against SRH and also performed well against Punjab. Drool on JioStar.
Doull praised Iyer's recent form and said it would be a big gamble for RCB to bring back a player who has not played competitive cricket for several weeks. He believes consistency and match rhythm will be important in the high-pressure knockout game against Gujarat Titans. If RCB manages to defeat Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, they will directly qualify for the IPL 2026 final, which will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.
“He has got a strong rhythm at the top with Kohli. Yes, Salt has a strong partnership record with Virat, but in cricket, you always go with the player in form. Form matters more than reputation, especially in knockout games. The biggest risk is to bring in someone who has not played competitive cricket for several weeks. I will continue to keep Venkatesh at the top. Phil Salt is a very good option to keep on the bench, but right now, Venkatesh is looking to keep his place. Deserve,” Doull said.
Get every cricket update! Follow us: :
Leave a Reply