Former New Zealand cricketer turned commentator Simon Doull said that he would stick with Venkatesh Iyer as the other opener with Virat Kohli for the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 1 clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT), stating that it would not be easy for Phil Salt to return and deliver straight away after an injury layoff.

Speaking on Star Sports ‘Cricket Live’. JioStar expert Simon said, “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,” he said.

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Simon cited Vennkatesh’s fiery 19-ball 44 against SRH and a quickfire half-century down the order against Punjab Kings (PBKS), acknowledging the “solid rhythm” he has with Virat Kohli as well.

“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,” he concluded.

In five IPL matches and four innings for RCB, he has scored 158 runs at an average of 79.00 and a strike rate of 177.52, with a half-century and best score of 73* as well.