IPL 2026: Simon Doull Advocates for Venkatesh Iyer as RCB Opener Against Gujarat Titans
IPL 2026: Doull backs Venkatesh Iyer over Phil Salt for RCB opener
Asianet Newsable
Image: Asianet Newsable
Simon Doull, former New Zealand cricketer, supports Venkatesh Iyer to open for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) alongside Virat Kohli in the IPL 2026 Qualifier against Gujarat Titans, citing concerns over Phil Salt's match fitness following an injury layoff.
- 01Simon Doull believes Venkatesh Iyer should open for RCB, citing his recent form and match fitness.
- 02Phil Salt has been out for three and a half weeks due to injury and may struggle to regain form immediately.
- 03Venkatesh Iyer scored 44 runs off 19 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and has a strong partnership with Kohli.
- 04Doull emphasizes the importance of playing in-form players during knockout matches.
- 05Iyer has scored 158 runs in five IPL matches this season, showcasing his versatility in various batting roles.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In the lead-up to the IPL 2026 Qualifier one match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has expressed his preference for Venkatesh Iyer to open alongside Virat Kohli. Doull argues that Iyer's recent performance, including a quick 44 runs off 19 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, positions him as the better choice over Phil Salt, who is returning from a three-and-a-half-week injury layoff. Doull noted that while Salt has a solid record with Kohli, the playoffs are not the right time to test a player's match fitness after an extended absence. Iyer's statistics support Doull's stance, as he has averaged 79.00 with a strike rate of 177.52 in the tournament, while Salt has scored 202 runs at an average of 33.66. Doull concluded that Iyer deserves to retain his spot in the lineup given his current form.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The decision on the opening batsman could significantly influence RCB's performance in the playoffs.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Who do you think should open for RCB in the IPL Qualifier?
Connecting to poll...
More about Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.