Aakash Chopra has picked the opening partner for Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The veteran is likely to open the innings for RCB, and England’s Phil Salt (INR 11.50 crore), who had a dominating previous season for KKR, is expected to join hands with him in the opening position.
He mentioned that the tracks at the Chinnaswamy Stadium would suit the franchise’s new purchase. Kohli was retained for INR 21 crore, along with Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore) and Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore).
“Virat Kohli and Phil Salt is the best opening combination for RCB. They could have bought Jos Buttler, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Rishabh Pant to partner with Kohli, but the management wanted Phil Salt, and they got him,” he said.
Chopra is expecting to see Salt among the top run-scorers in the 18th season.
“Phil Salt was sensational last season and the pitches in Bengaluru are as flat as Kolkata. It will suit him, and he will hit a lot. We will see his assault. He can dispatch several balls into Cubbon Park. He was not only sensational in the IPL but has been going after the bowlers consistently even after that,” he added.
Chopra added that RCB’s batting unit is looking strong with Rajat, Liam Livingstone, Tim David/Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, and Krunal Pandya in the mix.
He also opined on their fast bowling unit. “They have added more firepower to their bowling. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are world-class bowlers and they already have Yash Dayal.”