The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is buzzing tonight Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosted by Gujarat Titans (GT) In his 34th match IPL 2026 this Friday, April 24th. With the race for the play-offs intensifying, this high-stakes encounter in Bangalore carries a lot of weight for both sides. However, the pre-match headlines were due to the RCB camp being dominated by a significant absentee. The reigning champions entered the field today without an explosive opening strike, Phil Saltsent shockwaves through the local fan base expecting another “Salt Storm” at the top of the order.
Why is Phil Salt not playing in today’s game against Gujarat Titans?
The mystery surrounding the absence of salt was clarified by the RCB captain during the toss. Rajat Patidar. Patidar, who won the toss and elected to bowl first, confirmed that the English wicketkeeper-batsman had to sit out due to injury. While the specific nature of the injury (recurrence of previous back problems or a fresh niggle) was not detailed, the skipper indicated that it was significant enough to require a change in XI.
“Salty is injured, Bethell is in, I just feel like it’s going to be the first pitch. Chasing gives us a lot of clarity about the result. We appreciate this year’s situation and situation well“,” Patidar stated during the shooting.
Salt has been the cornerstone of RCB’s aggressive batting plan in 2026 and often allows for excitement together. Virat Kohli. His absence paved the way for the young and versatile Jacob Bethell to leave a mark. Patidar also noted that Chinnaswamy’s surface looked a bit sticky without much grass, suggesting the ball might stop in the first innings, a tactical reason behind the decision to field first and protect the adjusted batting line from early moisture.
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Playing XI and effective substitutes of both teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (XI Game): Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar.
Effects Subs: Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Venkatesh Iyer.
Gujarat Titans (XI game): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (w), Washington Sundar, Shah Rukh Khan, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj.
Effects Subs: Prasidh Krishna, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu, Arshad Khan.
Both teams made tactical adjustments to suit the conditions in Bengaluru. Led by Gujarat Titans Shubman Gillthe veteran all-rounder made his debut Jason Holderhe aims to use his experience to bring about death. Meanwhile, RCB’s line-up sees a mix-up in the top order to compensate for Salt’s lack of firepower.
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