Phil Salt opens up on advice received from India head coach Gautam Gambhir

Star England batter Phil Salt recently praised former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir for his instrumental role in his successful IPL campaign. Salt, who played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 season, acknowledged Gambhir’s invaluable mentorship as a key factor in his performance. Under Gambhir’s guidance, the Knight Riders secured their third IPL title in 2024. Reflecting on his time with Gambhir, Salt highlighted the most impactful piece of advice he received from the former India opener. According to Salt, Gambhir’s insights were crucial in adapting his game to the challenging conditions in India. Gambhir’s experience and strategic acumen provided Salt with the tools needed to excel on the Indian pitches, which are known for their unique demands.

Salt’s comments underscore the significance of Gambhir’s mentorship in navigating the complexities of IPL cricket. The guidance provided by Gambhir not only helped Salt thrive individually but also contributed to the overall success of the Kolkata Knight Riders during a memorable season. This collaboration between the seasoned mentor and the emerging talent played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph and highlighted the impact that experienced leadership can have on player development and team performance.

"What a competitor. I could really relate to him from that point of view. He's always looking for those one per cent what's going to get the individual to be better and what's going to get the team over the line. So I loved working for him. You know one word would be a competitor," England batter Phil Salt said during an awards function.

"I think the main bit of advice that I took from GG was to take the game deep, especially here in India. You know, from the moment I got off the first training session, he sat me down, he said, I know you're going to score runs for us, but I want you to score the majority of your runs between overs ten and 20, he said at Eden Gardens," he added.

Phil Salt recently lauded Gautam Gambhir, reflecting on how deeply he connected with the former Indian cricketer’s approach and competitive spirit. Salt described Gambhir as a true competitor and expressed his admiration for working closely with him throughout the IPL season. Gambhir’s mentorship provided Salt with a wealth of insights, which he valued greatly during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Although Salt had to leave the IPL 2024 campaign before the playoffs due to national commitments, his impact was significant during his tenure. In the 12 matches he played, Salt amassed 435 runs at an impressive strike rate of 182 and maintained an average of 39.55. His explosive batting performances were instrumental in propelling the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title and reclaiming their position at the top of the league.

Salt’s contributions with the bat, despite his early exit, played a crucial role in the team’s success. His ability to deliver consistently high scores and his aggressive style of play were key factors in KKR’s triumph. The combination of Gambhir’s mentorship and Salt’s dynamic performances highlights the successful synergy between experienced guidance and emerging talent in achieving a championship victory.