England and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt narrated the story of how his wife pushed him to take a flight to Ahmedabad for the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS), immediately after the birth of their child.
During the IPL 2024 season, Salt missed the final with eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and he was determined not to let history repeat itself, ensuring he was part of RCB's title-deciding fixture.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Salt opened up on the hectic few days and how his family influenced his decision.
"I was in Ahmedabad two days before the final, and got a phone call off the missus to say it was definitely happening. I got on the plane as quickly as I could," Salt recalled.
"Abi kicked me out the door, basically. She said, 'You have to play'. She made the decision for me, which was very funny - and very selfless of her," he added.
Salt had flown back to the UK following RCB's Qualifier 1 victory over Punjab Kings in Chandigarh to be with his partner for the birth of their son on June 1. He remarkably returned to join the franchise in Ahmedabad early on the morning of the final. That night, he contributed 16 runs off nine balls and took a spectacular catch in the deep, helping RCB defeat Punjab Kings and win their maiden IPL title.
This marked Salt's second straight IPL title win, after being part of KKR’s triumphant campaign last season.
Salt also spoke about how missing out on the 2024 final with KKR, after being one of their standout batters throughout that season left an incomplete feeling inside him.
"I missed an IPL final the year before, and that one really hurt because we [Kolkata Knight Riders] went on to win it. I was part of everything leading in, and then to not be a part of it did sting a bit The final was a little bit of a blur, until the last over, which I remember second by second. It all happened very quick It was really, really special."
Phil Salt's exploits in IPL 2025 had been noteworthy. Over 12 matches prior to the final, he amassed 387 runs at an average of 35.18 and a strike rate of 175.90.
