"He should be the sixth bowling option" - Hanuma Vihari suggests changes in RCB's playing 11 vs GT

Published - 26 May 2026, 17:18 IST | Updated - 26 May 2026, 17:38 IST

Hanuma Vihari shed light on how Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) playing XI could look like if Phil Salt returns from his injury layoff against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, May 26, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Salt has recovered from a finger injury, which forced him to miss eight matches for RCB in the league phase. Vihari said that a fit Salt should walk directly into the playing XI. He said that either Venkatesh Iyer or Romario Shepherd could make way. The 32-year-old, however, opined that Shepherd's bowling could be needed in Dharamsala as there is some assistance for the fast bowlers at the venue.

Vihari also suggested bringing in either Jacob Duffy or Richard Gleeson in place of Suyash Sharma if the pitch seems seamer-friendly.

"Will Phil Salt return is the question. The management said after the last game that they are keeping him for the playoffs. If he does return, what will be the combination? Salt walks in straightaway, but then will Venkatesh miss out, or will they leave Shepherd out? You will need Shepherd in Dharamsala as fast bowlers get some help there. He should be the sixth bowling option, there is no doubt there. I think in place of Suyash, maybe Jacob Duffy will play on this pitch. I feel they will play one of Duffy or Gleeson in place of Suyash," he said on his YouTube channel.

Vihari praised Iyer for his contributions during the season. The Madhya Pradesh batter has done well while batting in the middle order and also played a blistering cameo at the top in the last game.

"Venkatesh Iyer was an important buy at the auction. He is an important player and he showed it in the last match and the game before. When he opened in the absence of Bethell and Salt, he showed his value at a time like this. At the start he did not get many opportunities," he stated.

Vihari urged the Gujarat Titans to give their in-form pacers Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj three overs each inside the power play. He added that it will be imperative for RCB not to give away wickets inside the first six overs.

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"GT depend on their openers to give the start again. They have an unbelievable record. Siraj and Rabada must also bowl three overs each in the powerplay. Believe this blindly. RCB have to make sure they don't give away wickets in the first six overs," he said.