The IPL 2025 auction concluded last month, and all the teams have worked hard to find the right balance for their squad. They have tried their best to build the best team with whatever options are available, based on their budget. Now, with the IPL just a few months away, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has formed a balanced team after making some tough decisions during and before the auction. One of the key decisions was dropping their captain, Faf du Plessis. This led to confusion about who would open the innings alongside India’s finest batter, Virat Kohli. Let’s explore the possible players who might open the innings with Virat Kohli in IPL 2025.
Phil Salt
One of the potential prospects to open with Virat Kohli is English batter Phil Salt. Salt is an impressive player, especially in T20s. He has played 189 matches and scored 4875 runs, with an average of 3750 in 1809 matches, which is remarkable. He is a top choice for the wicketkeeper + opener role in the team, and he looks like a solid option. However, there may be other options the team could consider if he’s unavailable.
Devdutt Padikkal
RCB’s last-minute buy, Devdutt Padikkal, might be one good option. Once, he played for RCB in the past, now, he’s back and could be a strong contender to open the innings. So far, he has played 41 T20 matches as an opener and scored over 1000 runs, including 7 fifties and 1 hundred, which is quite impressive. RCB might give him the opportunity to open the innings again, especially since it would feel like a homecoming for him. If given the chance, Padikkal could bring in some great performances for the team, and they may put their trust in him.
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Virat to Play at No. 3?
There’s also a possibility that Virat Kohli might bat at number 3, not because he isn’t a good opener, but because players like Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal are better suited for the opening role. It might be challenging to place Salt or Padikkal at number 3, but it would be easier for an experienced player like Virat Kohli to bat at that position. In this case, Salt or Padikkal could open the innings, and Virat Kohli could come in as an anchor to guide and finish the innings.
There will be times when Virat Kohli might need to come in later and play an anchor role, while the other opener can bring in some explosive runs upfront. The team might need a reliable batter at number 3 who can hold the innings together and avoid getting out early.
