Phil Salt welcomes first child and wins IPL 2025 trophy in 48 hours; fans hail RCB opener as 'Super Dad': 'Diamond right here'

Time of India

3 days ago

Phil Salt just had a 48-hour stretch that could be straight out of a movie script. The English opener for Royal Challengers Bengaluru didn't just help his team lift their first-ever IPL trophy — he also became a father for the very first time. In a whirlwind of two days, Salt flew out to be by his partner Abe Salt's side for the birth of their child and then returned in time to play the biggest match of the season.
Phil Salt's post: one for the baby, one for the cup.
After RCB's historic 6-run win over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final, Salt took to Instagram to share a post that blended two of the most important milestones of his life. The carousel of photos began with Salt holding the IPL trophy in the dressing room alongside Virat Kohli, visibly glowing with joy.
The next photo had fans smiling widely: a tiny red and gold T-shirt with 'Salt Jr.' printed across it. A subtle but proud nod to both his baby and the RCB spirit. Other photos featured celebratory title-winning moments and a shot of the full champion squad. He captioned the post, "48 hours that will live long in the memory ❤️ @royalchallengers.bengaluru"
Fans applaud Phil Salt's sacrifice and spirit
Fans were quick to notice Salt's dedication. Ahead of the final, there were concerns he might miss the match due to the birth of his child. But Salt made the trip, was there for the delivery, and flew back to Ahmedabad at 3 am to be ready for the big day.
Praising his dedication, one user wrote, 'Phil Salt legit traveled for childbirth, came back for finals, and won the trophy for us.' Another commented, 'RCB diamond right here,' while several tagged him 'Super Dad.'
Phil Salt legit traveled for child birth, came back for finals and won for us ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aN4EZ3KnLp
Salt's crucial contribution for RCB this season
Throughout the season, Salt had been a rock at the top of the order, regularly giving RCB explosive starts and forming a solid opening pair with Virat Kohli. Bought at a whopping price of 11.50 crore, his performances played a big role in RCB's turnaround mid-season.
Salt's final knock—16 off 9 —wasn't flashy, but it helped RCB get a brisk start in the power play. He also took a key catch in the field at the boundary, sending dangerous Priyansh Arya back to the pavilion, even while running on minimal sleep and fighting jet lag.
RCB culture will change for the good.Defining moments of yesterday's game.Phil Salt's catch to dismiss Priyansh Arya.Shepherd dismissing Shreyas.Krunal Pandya bowling.Jitesh changing momentum.Bhuvi getting Stoinis. BIG moments! #RcbVsPbks pic.twitter.com/TUQhPPx9LS
Meanwhile, RCB are set to hold a victory parade in Bengaluru, starting at 3:30 PM. More details will be shared by the team's official Instagram channel soon. It remains unclear if Salt has flown back to be with his family or will partake in the parade. Either way, it's a glorious ride for the English batter.
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