RCB’s Potential Playing XI with Phil Salt’s Return
Hanuma Vihari has shared his insights on how the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad might look if Phil Salt returns from his injury to face the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Salt recently recovered from a finger injury that kept him out of eight matches during the league phase. According to Vihari, a fit Salt should immediately return to the playing XI. He suggested that either Venkatesh Iyer or Romario Shepherd could be dropped to make way for Salt.
Vihari also highlighted the importance of Shepherd’s bowling in Dharamsala, where fast bowlers can benefit from the pitch conditions. “Shepherd should be the sixth bowling option,” he said. “He will be needed in Dharamsala as there is some assistance for fast bowlers.”
In addition, Vihari proposed that either Jacob Duffy or Richard Gleeson could replace Suyash Sharma if the pitch proves to be seamer-friendly. “I think they will play one of Duffy or Gleeson in place of Suyash,” he added.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Contributions
Vihari praised Venkatesh Iyer for his consistent performance throughout the season. The Madhya Pradesh batter has played a crucial role in the middle order and delivered a powerful cameo at the top in the last game.
“Iyer was an important buy at the auction. He is an important player and he showed it in the last match and the game before. When he opened in the absence of Bethell and Salt, he showed his value at a time like this. At the start he did not get many opportunities,” Vihari stated.
Key Strategy for RCB
Vihari emphasized the need for RCB to avoid losing wickets in the first six overs. He advised the team to ensure that their bowlers do not concede too many runs early in the innings.
“GT depend on their openers to give the start again. They have an unbelievable record. Siraj and Rabada must also bowl three overs each in the powerplay. Believe this blindly. RCB have to make sure they don’t give away wickets in the first six overs,” he said.
Focus on Powerplay Bowling
Vihari’s comments underline the importance of the powerplay period in the match. He stressed that the Gujarat Titans’ in-form pacers, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, should be given three overs each during this phase.
By following this strategy, RCB can set the tone for the rest of the innings and put pressure on the Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup. Vihari’s insights offer valuable guidance for the team as they prepare for the crucial Qualifier 1 match.
