IPL 2024: Phil Salt 'Looking Forward to Giving Match-winning Performances' for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) named Phil Salt as a replacement for fellow Englishman Jason Roy after the latter pulled out of the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), owing to personal reasons.

Salt will be playing his second season in the IPL and went unsold in the auction after representing Delhi Capitals last year.

Bought at his reserve price of INR 1.5 crore, the aggressive wicket-keeper batter from England scored two consecutive T20I centuries against the West Indies in December last year. His 48-ball century in the 4th T20I at Trinidad is also the joint-fastest for England.

Phil Salt said he is excited to be a part of the ‘successful franchise’.

“Feels good. I’m here on quite a short notice but the reception I’ve got from everyone has been exceptional. Also to come here to train at such an iconic venue like the Eden Gardens and be a part of such a successful franchise is exciting,” Salt said when asked about joining KKR and being a part of the Knight Riders family.

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When asked about playing at Eden Gardens, he said: “I’m really excited. It’s actually the first time I’ve been here (Eden Gardens) and it looks brilliant and I’m sure it’s going to be pretty loud and crazy once the fans fill up on the matchday and I’m really looking forward to it.”

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Looking forward to the upcoming season, Salt said he is hoping to provide KKR with quick start at the top of the batting order.

“I hope I provide lots of energy along with quick starts at the top of the order and of course match winning contributions. As a professional cricketer you try to shut out the expectations from outside but the reception I’ve got from fans gives me that extra bit of motivation to make them happy.”