Creative Intro: When Rain Stopped the Start, Salt Tasted Success

The England vs New Zealand T20I series has become a major talking point among cricket fans worldwide.
After the first T20I was abandoned due to rain, England’s dynamic opener Phil Salt stormed back in the second game with a blazing performance that reminded everyone of his fearless style.

Salt’s short but impactful innings of 31 runs, including one six and four boundaries, earned him a spot among the elite list of England’s most six-hitting openers in men’s T20 internationals.

However, while his on-field form remains top-notch, fans are left wondering — why is Phil Salt not playing in the IPL this season?
Let’s dive deeper into the details of his current form, IPL status, and personal life.

England vs New Zealand T20I: Salt’s Explosive Return

After a disappointing rain-out in the first match, England’s top order looked to make amends in the second T20I, and Phil Salt wasted no time asserting his dominance.
He opened the innings with his trademark aggression, hammering New Zealand’s bowlers all over the park.

Though he couldn’t convert his brisk start into a big innings, his intent and timing were a reminder of why he’s considered one of the most dangerous modern T20 openers.
With each shot, Salt reaffirmed his reputation as a player who can change the course of a game in a few overs.

Why Is Phil Salt Not Playing IPL 2025?

This question has been echoing on social media ever since the Indian Premier League kicked off this year.
Fans were surprised not to see the English opener — who had previously impressed in IPL 2024 — in the tournament.

Phil Salt was a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 season, where he delivered several match-winning performances and helped KKR reach the playoffs.
However, ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Salt decided to withdraw his name due to personal reasons and national commitments with the England team.

During that period, England’s international calendar was packed with T20I series and World Cup preparations, leaving little room for players to balance IPL duties.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has often emphasized prioritizing national duty over franchise cricket, and Salt followed the same guideline.

So, the reason for Salt’s absence is not form or selection, but availability and scheduling conflicts.
Cricket pundits believe that the right-handed batter may return to the IPL in the next season, depending on his workload and England’s tour schedule.

In Which IPL Team Did Phil Salt Play For?

Phil Salt made his IPL debut with the Delhi Capitals, where he showed glimpses of his aggressive style.
Later, in IPL 2024, he was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders, and his partnership at the top proved to be crucial for the franchise.

Salt’s fearless batting — especially in the powerplay — made him a fan favorite.
He smashed bowlers like Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami with audacious strokes, reminding many of the old-school English power-hitters like Jos Buttler and Jason Roy.

KKR fans still remember his rapid 68-run knock that turned the match around in just 25 balls.
Unfortunately, his absence in IPL 2025 left a void at the top of the order for KKR, which the franchise struggled to fill early in the season.

Is Phil Salt Married or Not?

No, Phil Salt is not married yet.
The England opener prefers to keep his personal life private and rarely shares details about his relationships or family.
Most of his social media posts revolve around cricket, training sessions, and travel with teammates.

Fans occasionally spot him vacationing with friends or attending sporting events, but there has been no confirmation about his marital status or any public relationship.
For now, Phil Salt seems completely focused on his career, both for England and in global T20 leagues.

Phil Salt’s Rising Popularity in T20 Leagues

Beyond international cricket, Phil Salt has become one of the most in-demand players in franchise T20 cricket.
He has featured in leagues like The Hundred, Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and previously, the IPL.

His explosive batting at the top of the order and ability to handle pressure situations make him a valuable asset.
Teams value his versatility — he can open the innings, bat at number three, or even act as a finisher in shorter formats.

Analysts say Salt’s combination of aggression, consistency, and adaptability makes him one of the most complete T20 batters in the current generation.

Phil Salt’s Recent Records

In 2025, Salt has continued to impress in international T20s.
Here are some of his notable stats:

• T20I Runs (2025): 412 runs in 13 matches
• Strike Rate: 158.7
• Average: 32.1
• Most Sixes by an England Opener (2025): Ranked 3rd

These figures highlight his growth as a top-order batsman.
His ability to score quickly in powerplays has often set the tone for England’s dominance in white-ball cricket.

What Does Phil Salt Bring to the Table?

Phil Salt’s game revolves around fearless hitting and smart shot selection.
He thrives in pressure situations — especially when the team needs quick runs.
His strong wrists and clean striking allow him to clear boundaries with ease, particularly on flat pitches in India and Australia.

Cricket experts often compare him to Jos Buttler for his powerplay aggression and ability to maintain a high strike rate throughout the innings.
Beyond batting, Salt is also a handy wicketkeeper, making him a complete T20 package.

What’s Next for Phil Salt?

After his current series against New Zealand, Salt is expected to be part of England’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 preparations.
His consistency in recent matches has strengthened his position as one of England’s first-choice openers.

Regarding the IPL, insiders suggest that Salt could return in 2026, depending on his availability and team strategies.
Franchises like KKR, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals are reportedly interested in acquiring him again, considering his explosive impact in the powerplay overs.

Summary

Phil Salt continues to rise as one of the most entertaining T20 players in modern cricket.
From his six-hitting exploits against New Zealand to his absence in IPL 2025, his journey is filled with both triumphs and mysteries.

• He skipped IPL 2025 due to international duties and personal commitments.
• He is not married, focusing primarily on his cricket career.
• He last played for KKR in IPL 2024, delivering several match-winning performances.