Royal Challengers Bengaluru is gearing up for their fourth IPL final, and all eyes are on whether Tim David will be fit to play. The hard-hitting middle-order batter has been a vital part of RCB’s lineup this season.
He has given some match-winning cameos. With the final against Punjab Kings scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB captain Rajat Patidar addressed the uncertainty around David’s availability.
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Patidar stepped into the captaincy role this season and has taken RCB to the brink of their first-ever IPL title. The excitement for the final is high but the possible absence of David could prove a setback for the side.
Moreover, reports have also emerged with doubts on opener Phil Salt's availability for the final in Ahmedabad.
Is Phil Salt available for IPL 2025 final or is he a doubt?
Salt's case is interesting -- it's not injury but doubts on his potential unavailability are because there are speculations that he might travel back to England.
ESPN Cricinfo reported that Salt and his partner are expecting a child soon and that the opener was not spotted at the ground during training ahead of of the final.
UPDATE:
ESPNCricinfo has now confirmed that Salt is indeed back in Ahmedabad after a quick trip home where he attended the birth of his child.
Earlier, a social media user on X claimed that Salt arrived at Ahmedabad airport from the UK at 3 AM IST.
Confirmed with brother in law:
— Sagar Dutt (@iSagardutt) June 3, 2025
Phil salt landed at airport ahmedabad last night around 3 AM.
He is definitely playing the IPL! @RcbianOfficial @Rcb_Xtra @RCBXTRAOFFICIA pic.twitter.com/9I30OKClNa
More: Who will win IPL 2025 title if rain washes out the final? RCB or PBKS?
Rajat Patidar on Tim David’s availability for IPL 2025 final
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Patidar admitted there is no clarity yet on David’s fitness.
"Till now, I have no idea about Tim David. Doctors are there and we will get to know this evening," he said.
David has closed out tight games and has played a major role in RCB’s journey to the final. If he is unavailable, RCB may have to tweak their strategy for the game.
The RCB skipper also took a moment to appreciate Virat Kohli’s long-standing dedication to the franchise.
"Of course. I think he has given a lot of years to RCB and the international side also. We will try to do our best in the game," he added.
Patidar insisted that the team is focused on playing quality cricket rather than getting caught up in the occasion.
"We are not looking on the stage that we are in the finals. We will try to play our best cricket. I always like to keep things simple," he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Patidar said he has learned a lot from the senior players in the squad.
"It is a great opportunity for me to learn from them and their different ideas," he said.