Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doullhas backed Venkatesh Iyer to continue opening alongside Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. RCB finished as table-toppers this season.

Doull believes RCB should avoid rushing Phil Salt back into the playing XI after his lengthy injury layoff. According to him, returning to peak rhythm and timing after more than three weeks out could be difficult, especially in a high-pressure knockout game. Doull said he would stick with the in-form Iyer, who recently impressed with aggressive knocks against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. He added that while Salt has a strong partnership record with Kohli, current form and match fitness should take priority in playoff matches.

"I would stick with Venkatesh Iyer as the opener alongside Virat Kohli. Phil Salt has been out for three and a half weeks. Coming back from a long layoff, especially with a finger injury, is never easy. He is a quality player and has done well for RCB and England in T20s, but match fitness and shot-timing take time to return. The playoffs are not the place to test that. Venkatesh has looked good in the last two games. He played well against SRH and was also good against Punjab,” said Doull on JioStar.

Doull praised Iyer’s recent form and said it would be a huge gamble for RCB to bring back a player who has not played competitive cricket for several weeks. He believes continuity and match rhythm will be crucial in a high-pressure knockout game against Gujarat Titans. If RCB manage to beat Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, they will directly qualify for the IPL 2026 final, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.

“He has struck a solid rhythm at the top with Kohli. Yes, Salt has a stronger partnership record with Virat, but in cricket, you always go with the player in form. Form matters more than reputation, especially in knockout games. The biggest risk is bringing in someone who hasn't played competitive cricket for weeks. I would continue with Venkatesh at the top. Phil Salt is too good an option to have on the bench, but right now, Venkatesh deserves to keep his place,” said Doull.