England cricketer Phil Salt has made a controversial remark about his RCB opening partner Virat Kohli, stating that ‘We’re not friends’.

He went on to describe India and RCB great as a ‘colleague’, not his friend, Salt raised eyebrows when he mentioned that he treats all his teammates at the Bengaluru franchise only as colleagues.

In an interaction with an RCB insider’ show with Mr. Nags, Salt initially shocked the host and the fans by calling Kohli a ‘colleague’.

But the cricketer made a U-turn saying that he was only joking and stood clear of the wrath of the passionate Virat Kohli‘s fans online by saying ‘I’ll clear that up now, Mr Nags. Everybody I have played cricket with is a friend of mine. I just didn’t want to give you any extra ammunition.’

Phil Salt has been impressive while opening along Virat Kohli for the Bengaluru franchise in IPL 2025. The England star joined INR 11.50 crore ahead of the season and made aggressor in the solid presence of his experienced partner and made a telling impact on his team’s fortunes.

The attacking right-hander has blasted 239 runs at a strike rate of 168.31, including two half centuries next to his name as well as 13 sixes and 30 fours in the campaign so far.

Phil Salt who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 season, scored 435 runs at a jaw dropping strike-rate of 182.01 with four fifties in 12 matches helping the side to play an important role in lifting the IPL trophy for third time.

However, he was released by the champions announced their retention list and he joined RCB, who were eyeing an aggressive top-order option to partner with Kohli.

“All I can say to the fans (is) that the support has been incredible at the Chinnaswamy and wherever RCB has gone. And it’s a really noticeable difference here in Bengaluru, the passion of the fans. So very, very grateful for that,” he said.

RCB will play their next game against Chennai Super Kings on 03 May at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.