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Kolkata Knight Riders Replace Jason Roy with Phil Salt for IPL 2024 Season

Kalyani Jha
11 Mar, 2024

In a surprising turn of events, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced the replacement of Jason Roy, England's top-order batter, with his compatriot Phil Salt for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Roy cited personal reasons for his withdrawal from the tournament, prompting KKR to swiftly secure the services of Salt as his replacement.

The official statement from the IPL confirmed the news, stating, "Kolkata Knight Riders have named Phil Salt as a replacement for Jason Roy after the latter pulled out of the upcoming TATA IPL 2024 owing to personal reasons." This will mark Salt's second season in the IPL, having previously represented Delhi Capitals last year.

Salt, a dynamic 27-year-old wicket-keeper batter, had gone unsold at the IPL auction 2024 before KKR acquired him at his reserve price of ₹1.5 crore. Known for his aggressive batting style, Salt made headlines with two consecutive T20I centuries against the West Indies in December last year, including a blistering 48-ball century in the fourth T20I at Trinidad, which is also the joint-fastest for England.

Despite being unsold initially, Salt's impressive performance in international cricket caught the attention of KKR, who recognized his potential to bolster their batting lineup. Notably, Salt was the second-highest scorer for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, accumulating 218 runs from nine innings, which included two half-centuries, with a best individual score of 87.

Salt's arrival adds depth and firepower to the KKR squad, providing them with a versatile batting option capable of delivering match-winning performances. His aggressive approach and ability to score quickly make him a valuable asset in the T20 format, aligning perfectly with KKR's strategy for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Jason Roy, who was roped in by KKR last year as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan, made significant contributions during his stint with the franchise. Roy scored 285 runs in 8 matches for the two-time champions, showcasing his prowess at the top of the order.

As KKR prepares to embark on their IPL campaign, the inclusion of Phil Salt injects fresh energy into the squad, setting the stage for an exciting season filled with thrilling cricketing action.