Phil Salt Won't Play Against West Indies, Prioritizes Paternity Leave After IPL Final

Phil Salt to Miss West Indies T20Is on Paternity Leave After IPL Final Dash Phil Salt will miss England's upcoming T20I series against West Indies as he takes paternity leave, following the birth of his first child earlier this week. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter made a last-minute journey back to India for the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad, shortly after his son was born. Salt had flown home to the UK after RCB's Qualifier 1 win over PBKS in New Chandigarh last Thursday to be with his partner, before returning to India and arriving just hours before the final. Salt’s absence opens up a spot in England’s top order for the West Indies series, with squad adjustments expected soon. Phil Salt to Miss West Indies T20Is After Birth of First Child Phil Salt will sit out England’s upcoming T20I series against West Indies as he takes paternity leave, following the birth of his first child earlier this week. Salt, 28, made headlines for his extraordinary commitment, flying home to the UK after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Qualifier 1 win to be with his partner, before returning to India in time for the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad—just hours after the birth. That night, he scored 16 off 9 balls and took an athletic catch in the deep, helping RCB defeat PBKS and secure their first-ever IPL title in 18 seasons. It marked Salt’s second consecutive IPL championship, having won with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat, praised Salt’s “unbelievable” dedication, while teammate Virat Kohli took to Instagram with a cheeky salute: “Now go back to the real stuff and get ready for changing diapers.” Salt’s absence from the West Indies series will open opportunities for others in England's white-ball top order, with selection updates expected soon.