The commitment of a professional athlete is often measured by their ability to perform under pressure, but for England‘s Phil Salt, his dedication was tested in a far more personal way. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star faced an impossible choice when his son was born just days before the IPL 2025 final. His decision to play, however, was not his alone. It was a testament to the remarkable selflessness of his wife, Abi, who pushed him to chase a dream of which he had been a part.
Phil Salt shares how his wife’s unselfish act played a crucial role in his IPL 2025 final decision for RCB
In a truly remarkable display of dedication and selflessness, Salt, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, revealed how his wife, Abi, was instrumental in his decision to play in the IPL 2025 final. After flying back to the UK for the birth of his son, Salt, with his wife’s unwavering support, made a rapid return to Ahmedabad, arriving just hours before the title-deciding clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Just two days before the IPL 2025 final, Salt was in Ahmedabad with the RCB squad when he received the life-changing news that his partner was going into labor. Without a second thought, he immediately flew home to be with his family. However, his absence from the squad for the final was something his wife, Abi, was not going to allow. “I was in Ahmedabad two days before the final, and got a phone call off the missus to say it was definitely happening. I got on the plane as quickly as I could,” Salt recalled. He revealed that Abi “kicked me out the door, basically. She said, ‘You have to play.’ She made the decision for me, which was very funny , and very selfless of her.” He returned to the team early on the morning of the final, ready to play.
Salt’s journey from heartbreak to triumph
Salt’s determination was fueled by a painful memory from the previous season. He had been a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their 2024 title-winning campaign but had missed the final, a feeling that had left a profound impact on him. “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,” he confessed.
Salt was determined not to let history repeat itself. Salt’s remarkable IPL 2025 season had been a testament to his form, where he amassed 387 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 175.90. His on-field contribution in the final, a quickfire 16 runs off nine balls and a spectacular catch, proved crucial in helping RCB secure their maiden IPL trophy. The win marked his second consecutive IPL title, completing a personal story of sacrifice and ultimate redemption.
