Great feeling right now – Phil Salt on RCB’s impressive win against PBKS

On a surface that had its fair shares of trickery, it needed an anchor for RCB to see off what was a modest total that they were shooting down. Phil Salt spearheaded the charge for RCB after they lost Virat Kohli early. There were early signs of explosive lateral drift from Kyle Jamieson and Azmatullah Omarzai but they all were rendered blunt in front of Salt’s unchecked aggression.

The English opener registered his fastest half-century of IPL while staying unbeaten for a 27-ball-56, propelling RCB across the finish line. Salt whacked six fours and three sixes to provide the all-important shot in the arm for the Royal Challengers as they cruised past PBKS.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Salt revealed what was going on in his mind early on and his important conversation with Andy Flower.

Shedding light on the wicket that hosted the first qualifier, Salt said, “Great feeling right now, it (the ball) did move a bit. I think that was not the worst wicket to have played on in this season.”

He also talked about the immediate strategy that he had in mind when he walked out to bat, stating, “Don't get out to Arshdeep, we played 2 group games (with PBKS) and he's found different ways to get me out, so was just trying to react to the ball.”

Revealing what his conversation with Andy Flower was like, Salt said, “I said before the game to Andy (Flower) that was the blessing in disguise for us (talking about the travel and breaks in between games). (This win) Gives us the momentum, it is a cliche but true, that's what you want at the backend of the tournament, want to hit your straps and play a part with the bat or ball.”