Having just collected the Player of the Match award, Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt said his priority is to keep his mind steady and remain effective after producing a major impact with the bat. Salt delivered a standout performance in RCB’s 18-run win over Mumbai Indians in an IPL 2026 encounter on Sunday, and he reflected on how T20 cricket can swing quickly—making emotional balance just as important as execution.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Salt acknowledged that consistency in the format rarely follows a straight line. He said there are moments of excitement and stretches of struggle, and the key is not to let either extreme throw you off. “Honestly, I’ve got no idea myself,” Salt said. “There are a few highs and a lot of lows, and you can’t ride both of them. Just stay as even as you can, and I’m just pleased I could come out and put a performance in for the lads.”
Salt also explained the mindset behind his aggressive batting style, particularly on surfaces that help batters. He stressed the need to keep pressure on the opposition for as long as possible during the innings, rather than allowing the bowlers to settle into a rhythm. “Yes, I’d say so,” he added. “Some of these grounds aren’t the most bowler-friendly, so you’ve got to keep the mentality that you’re going to keep going at the opposition. And then do not forget your assets as a player. It’s about being a match-winner, isn’t it? I know I can’t get runs every game; nobody can. But if I can be as impactful as possible, then I’m on the right path.”
While praising RCB’s overall batting display, Salt suggested there was still room to improve even after the team posted a big score. He pointed to phases during the middle overs where the opposition managed to tighten things up. “Really well. And to be honest, we probably had a few more in the tank,” Salt said. “I think, you know, in the second ten of our innings, they actually shut us down quite nicely at times. So, you know, promising signs for us as a batting unit. I think they bowled well then.”
RCB ultimately edged MI by 18 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2026 match at Wankhede Stadium, with Bengaluru setting up the result through a dominant batting effort and timely wickets when it mattered.
Batting first, RCB produced an almost flawless innings, compiling 240/4. Phil Salt led the charge with a brisk 78 off 36 balls, Virat Kohli contributed 50 off 38, and captain Rajat Patidar played a quickfire innings of 53 off 20. Tim David then finished strongly with 34 not out off 16 as RCB closed on a daunting total.
RCB’s innings took off immediately. Salt and Kohli controlled the powerplay to reach 71/0 in six overs, with Salt especially aggressive. He struck Mitchell Santner for 22 runs in a single over and raced to his half-century in just 25 deliveries. Together, the pair built a 120-run opening stand in 10.5 overs, giving RCB a firm platform for what eventually became a massive score.
After Salt was dismissed, Patidar took over with a sudden surge in tempo. He smashed a 17-ball fifty and partnered with Kohli to add a rapid 65-run stand. RCB moved past 150 in 12.1 overs and 200 in 16.5 overs, keeping the required run rate under constant pressure. Even though MI did manage to take wickets at intervals, they couldn’t slow Bengaluru’s momentum, and David’s late cameo carried RCB to 240/4.
In reply, Mumbai Indians started their chase strongly, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton racing to 62/0 during the powerplay. However, Rohit was forced to leave the field early after a hamstring injury, disrupting MI’s flow and affecting their momentum.
RCB then delivered decisive breakthroughs. Suyash Sharma removed Rickelton (37) and Tilak Varma (1) in the same over, shifting the game back in Bengaluru’s favour. By 99/2 after 10 overs, MI were still within reach, but the required rate was rising and the pressure kept building.
Further setbacks followed. Krunal Pandya sent Suryakumar Yadav back for 33, and Jacob Duffy accounted for captain Hardik Pandya, who had briefly reignited the chase with an aggressive knock of 40. Rasikh Salam Dar then dismissed Naman Dhir, leaving MI reeling at 154/5.
Despite the collapse, Sherfane Rutherford kept MI within contention, smashing nine sixes in a late surge to finish with 71 not out off 31 balls. Still, the chase proved too steep, and Mumbai ended on 222/5 in their 20 overs.
Suyash Sharma was RCB’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with two wickets to play a key role in the decisive turn of the match.
