When defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, the away side will still be without their English opener Phil Salt, reports said.
RCB's big-hitting Englishman was injured during practice and was ruled out of the match against Gujarat Titans. It is reported that he is still not ready for a comeback and will be out of the match against DC as well. Jacob Bethell, also from England, is likely to get another shot at opening alongside Kohli in his senior colleague's absence. He made 14 off 10 deliveries against GT, including three fours, before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj.
However, Salt is not the only star nursing an injury in the RCB camp. Rasikh Salam Dar, who was in the field against Gujarat Titans, is also battling fitness concerns. It is learnt that Rasikh, who left the field halfway through the last match due to a muscle strain, will also be unavailable for the match against Delhi Capitals, TV9 Kannada said in a report.
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Apart from Virat Kohli’s "no holds barred" approach, Devdutt Padikkal's scintillating form has been a great addition to RCB, making them a formidable batting side. The middle order, too, has played more defined roles in finishing games.
But RCB's threat is not limited to their batting firepower alone. Their bowlers have shown the ability to rein in opposition sides during crucial phases, particularly at the death: a quality that could prove decisive against a free-scoring Delhi line-up.
The game against Delhi Capitals is an opportunity for the reigning champions to exploit a vulnerable opponent and consolidate their position among the top teams. With the tournament entering a decisive phase, this clash is worth more than just two points. It is a test of temperament for Delhi and a chance for Bengaluru to assert their authority.
