Kolkata Knight Rider took 10 years to win their third IPL trophy. The Kolkata-based franchise thumped Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in the final to lift the coveted trophy. After winning the league in 2012 and 2014, the team couldn’t repeat the performance despite making it to the playoffs on several occasions. Gautam Gambhir’s addition as a mentor, several new players, and the change in the batting line-up proved beneficial for the Shreyas Iyer-led team.
Jason Roy opted out of the 17th season due to personal reasons, and the franchise signed Phil Salt as a replacement. The edition of the aggressive batter was the masterstroke as he was exceptional as an opener and the wicket-keeper. He stitched match-winning partnerships with Sunil Narine, and his DRS calls from behind the stumps were spot on.
Salt was a part of the Delhi Capitals in the 16th season but was not retained. He surprisingly went unsold in the auction, but Roy’s departure was a blessing in disguise for KKR.
Salt scored 435 runs at a strike rate of 182.00 in 12 matches. He also hit four fifties. Phil left the league mid-way to participate in the T20I series between England and Pakistan. He did his job to perfection, and KKR were in the playoffs before his departure.
Former India player Navjot Singh Sidhu heaped praise on the KKR opener. “No one should forget what Phil Salt did for the Kolkata Knight Riders in this IPL. He was sensational for the franchise and did the bulk of the scoring along with Sunil Narine. KKR should remember his contribution. Phil Salt didn’t allow the rival team to have it easy in the league, and his aggressive batting won several matches for the team,” he said on Star Sports.
