New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Phil Salt dropped a truth bomb as he clarified in an interview that he considers his opening partner and teammate Virat Kohli just a colleague, and not a friend. Salt has been opening the batting with Kohli for RCB in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and the duo have played a key role in the team’s phenomenal run.
Salt was one of the top buys for RCB in the IPL 2025 mega auction last year. The franchise shelled out Rs 11.5 crore to sign the England batter, who has been a success for the team at the top of the order and has consistently provided them with quick starts in the Powerplay. Salt had also developed a strong partnership with Kohli at the top of the order.
However, when asked if he considers Kohli a friend during an interview with RCB’s host Mr Nags, during an interview for the franchise, Salt said the Indian superstar is only a colleague. However, he later playfully backtracked on his claim and said he considers all his cricket teammates a friend.
Host Mr Nags: You said that there are no friends in the IPL in one of your interviews. So when you are out playing with Virat, are you friends with him or are you not?
Salt: Colleagues
However, when asked about it again, Salt came up with a diplomatic answer and said – “Everybody that I have played cricket with is a friend of mine. I just did not want to give you any extra ammunition in this interview”.
Mr. Nags interviewing Phil Salt. 😂pic.twitter.com/3VnQyWNbf1
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 30, 2025
How have Salt and Kohli performed for RCB in IPL 2025?
Both Kohli and Salt have been among the runs for RCB this season. While Kohli is the leading run-getter for the franchise with 443 runs in 10 matches in the IPL 2025 so far, Salt has notched up 239 runs in 9 games for RCB and is the second-highest run-getter for the team, behind Kohli. The duo have shared some crucial partnerships at the top to help RCB maintain their dominance in the league.
Salt has arguably been the aggressor in the Powerplay for RCB, striking at an impressive 168.30. He has slammed two half-centuries in IPL 2025 so far. Kohli, on the other hand, has mostly taken up the anchor’s role in the team and has done the bulk of scoring while maintaining a strong strike rate of 138.87.
The opening duo’s prolific run has helped RCB attain seven wins in ten matches so far this season, as they stand at the top of the IPL 2025 points table. RCB are only one win away from all but confirming their spot in the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Phil Salt has said he doesn’t consider teammate Virat Kohli a friend, but only a colleague. Salt and Kohli are opening together for RCB this season. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
