England and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt recalled how his wife Abi McLaven made the decision for him to fly back to India and play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final. Salt went back to England after RCB beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 to reach the final and arrived in Ahmedabad just in time for the final.
"I was in Ahmedabad two days before the final, and got a phone call off the missus to say it was definitely happening," he recalled in a conversation with ESPNCricinfo. "I got on the plane as quickly as I could."
"Abi kicked me out the door, basically," he says, laughing. "She said, 'You have to play'. She made the decision for me, which was very funny - and very selfless of her."
The opener who missed the IPL 2024 final for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) due to national duty did not want to miss another final but wanted to be there for his wife and newborn child.
Salt had a hectic few days leading up to the final. He scored 16 runs off just nine balls, featuring two fours and a six. After getting dismissed by Kyle Jamieson, he was athletic on the field. He took an excellent catch on the boundary to dismiss PBKS opener Priyansh Arya.
"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," Salt said.
Salt’s ‘unbelievable’ commitment praised
Salt got a special mention from his teammate Virat Kohli on Instagram as he posted a photo along with captain: "Now go back to the real stuff and get ready for changing diapers". Also, RCB's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, praised the Englishman for his "unbelievable" commitment to the franchise's cause.
Salt in sublime form
Salt recently rewrote T20I record books in an unbeaten 141 off just 60 balls against South Africa as England posted a mammoth total of 304/2. He will be back in action when England take on New Zealand in the T20I series starting October 18 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.