Former New Zealand pace bowler Simon Doull has urged Royal Challengers Bengaluru to stick with Venkatesh Iyer at the top of the order alongside Virat Kohli, even with Phil Salt returning to the squad. Doull’s comments come ahead of Qualifier 1, where RCB will take on Gujarat Titans, and he believes the key for Bengaluru is continuity in their opening combination rather than experimenting in a high-pressure playoff.
Why Doull wants Venkatesh Iyer to keep opening
Doull said Salt has rejoined the group after recovering from a finger injury and that he has been sidelined for roughly three and a half weeks. However, he warned that coming back from a lengthy break—particularly after an injury affecting the finger—is rarely straightforward, especially when it comes to regaining match sharpness and timing.
- Doull believes the “opener” role should remain with Venkatesh Iyer alongside Virat Kohli.
- He pointed out Salt’s comeback comes after a long layoff of about 3.5 weeks, which makes it difficult to immediately find rhythm in T20 cricket.
- Doull argued that playoff cricket is not the moment to test whether a player’s timing and match fitness have fully returned.
Recent form at the top for RCB
According to Doull, Venkatesh has given RCB a strong reason to trust the current top-order plan. He said the left-handed batter has opened on two occasions with Kohli, and his performances have impressed both fans and cricket observers.
- Doull highlighted that Venkatesh opened the batting with Virat Kohli on two occasions.
- He noted Venkatesh looked good against SRH and was also effective versus Punjab.
- Doull said the pair have established a “solid rhythm” at the top.
Salt’s value, but at the right time
While Doull acknowledged Salt’s quality and reminded that he has done well for both RCB and England in T20s, he still felt the safer option for the immediate playoff is to keep Venkatesh in the XI. He also stressed that Salt can remain a powerful option on the bench, rather than disrupting a partnership that is already working.
- Doull said Salt remains a “quality” player and has proven himself in T20s.
- He warned that match fitness and shot execution can take time to fully return after a finger injury.
- He suggested Salt’s experience is better used as cover, while Venkatesh earns the start.
The key duel: Kohli vs Gill and the powerplay battle
Doull also predicted the outcome of Qualifier 1 could hinge on early momentum. He claimed the contest could become a straight fight between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, and that the team that gains control in the first six overs is likely to go on and win.
- Doull said whoever wins the powerplay in the first innings will probably take the match.
- He called it a tight contest because both Gujarat Titans and RCB possess strong batting units and quality bowling resources.
- He noted that both teams are entering the playoffs carrying winning momentum.
What happens if the openers fire
In Doull’s view, the early overs are where the game can be tilted. He explained that if the RCB openers—Kohli and Venkatesh—survive the initial period without losing too much ground and then put up a score of around 60 or 70, the opposition would face immediate pressure.
- He said early momentum is “everything” in big games.
- Doull added that if the openers post 60–70 runs while avoiding major damage in the first six overs, it puts the other side under pressure.
- He suggested the player who scores more and stays at the crease longer will likely steer his team through.
Match-winner factor in knockout cricket
Doull concluded that playoff matches often come down to which star delivers when the game is tight. He framed it as a showdown between two marquee batters—Kohli and Gill—backed by the idea that both teams have match-winners capable of swinging the contest in a matter of overs.
He said, “Each side has match-winners who can change the game in a matter of overs. One team has Virat Kohli, the other has Shubman Gill. Both are in red-hot form.” Doull added that in knockout cricket, it frequently boils down to which superstar steps up at the most crucial moment.
