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mumbai: Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt delivered a match-winning performance but remained grounded, admitting that T20 cricket is a mix of “a few highs and a lot of lows” after his side’s win over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Salt’s explosive innings powered RCB to a thrilling 18-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Salt reflects on T20 consistency

Despite his sensational knock, Salt highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the importance of maintaining balance.

“Honestly, I’ve got no idea myself. There are a few highs and a lot of lows, and you cannot ride both of them. Just stay as even as you can,” he said.

The England international emphasised that being impactful matters more than scoring in every game, acknowledging that inconsistency is part of the format.

Aggressive mindset key on batting-friendly tracks

Salt underlined the need for a fearless approach, especially on high-scoring surfaces like Wankhede.

“Some of these grounds are not bowler-friendly, so you have to keep going at the opposition. It’s about being a match-winner,” he explained.

His approach was evident as he smashed 78 off just 36 balls, bringing up his half-century in 25 deliveries and setting the tone for RCB’s innings.

RCB post a massive total

RCB’s batting unit fired collectively, posting a daunting 240/4 in 20 overs.

Salt shared a 120-run opening partnership with Virat Kohli, giving the team a flying start. Skipper Rajat Patidar then accelerated with a blistering 53 off 20 balls, while Tim David added a late flourish with an unbeaten 34.

Despite the big total, Salt admitted there was still room for improvement.

“We probably had a few more in the tank. They bowled well in patches and shut us down at times in the second half,” he noted.

MI fight hard but fall short

Mumbai Indians made a strong start in their chase, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton powering them to 62/0 in the powerplay.

However, the game shifted after quick wickets, including Rickelton and Tilak Varma, fell in the same over.

RCB bowlers struck at key moments, with Suyash Sharma picking up crucial wickets. Contributions from Krunal Pandya and Jacob Duffy further dented MI’s chase.

A late blitz from Sherfane Rutherford (71* off 31) kept the contest alive, but MI eventually finished at 222/5, falling short by 18 runs.

Conclusion

Phil Salt’s innings showcased his ability to dominate attacks and deliver in high-pressure games. Yet, his candid reflection on the highs and lows of T20 cricket underlines a mature mindset crucial for sustained success.

With RCB’s batting firing on all cylinders, Salt’s form at the top could prove vital as they push forward in the tournament.