• Source:JND

Former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull has advised the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to continue with the opening pair of Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli for their IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash against the Gujarat Titans at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

Doull believes it may be difficult for Phil Salt to make an immediate impact after being out injured for more than three weeks. RCB now face a big selection call ahead of the playoffs, whether to bring Salt back into the XI or continue with Venkatesh, who has impressed in recent matches.

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With Jacob Bethell ruled out due to injury and returning to England, the opening slot has become a major talking point before the knockout game.

Why RCB should go with Venkatesh-Virat duo?

Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Doull said RCB should avoid making changes to a combination that is already working well.

“I would stick with Venkatesh Iyer as the opener alongside Virat Kohli. Phil Salt has been out for three and a half weeks. Coming back from a long layoff, especially with a finger injury, is never easy. He is a quality player and has done well for RCB and England in T20s, but match fitness and shot-timing take time to return. The playoffs are not the place to test that,” he said.

Doull lauded Venkatesh's batting

Doull also praised Venkatesh for the way he has grabbed his opportunities this season. He highlighted the batter’s quickfire 44 off just 19 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and his attacking half-century against Punjab Kings.

According to Doull, Venkatesh has built a strong understanding with Kohli at the top and deserves to keep his place in the side.

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“Yes, Salt has a stronger partnership record with Virat, but in cricket, you always go with the player in form. Form matters more than reputation, especially in knockout games. The biggest risk is bringing in someone who hasn’t played competitive cricket for weeks. I would continue with Venkatesh at the top. Phil Salt is too good an option to have on the bench, but right now, Venkatesh deserves to keep his place,” he added.

Venkatesh's performance for RCB in IPL 2026

Venkatesh has been one of RCB’s most reliable performers in recent games. In five IPL matches, including four innings across different batting positions, he has scored 158 runs at an impressive average of 79 and a strike rate of 177.52. His best score so far is an unbeaten 73, along with one half-century.

Whether coming in as an Impact Player during a collapse, batting in the middle order, or opening the innings, Venkatesh has adapted well to every role given to him.

Salt, meanwhile, has also had a solid season. In six innings as an opener, he has scored 202 runs at an average of 33.66 and a strike rate of over 168, including two fifties, with a highest score of 78.


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