Is Phil Salt underrated? Many in world cricket believe so, and his recent performances for England strongly back that claim. Fresh from back-to-back Player of the Match awards, Salt is rapidly cementing his reputation as one of the most destructive openers in modern T20 cricket.
The 29-year-old smashed 89 off 46 balls against Ireland after an unbeaten 141 against South Africa just days earlier. In total, Salt has hammered 230 runs from only 106 deliveries in a week, highlighting why he is fast becoming one of England’s most valuable white-ball players.
Salt’s Record-Breaking T20 Numbers
Salt’s impact on England’s T20 setup is undeniable. In just 43 innings, he already owns four international centuries, half of all T20I hundreds scored by England players. Had he scored 11 more runs against Ireland, he would have joined Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell at the top of the all-time T20I hundreds list—an elite company reached in far fewer innings.
- England T20 wins: Salt averages 59.12, second only to Kevin Pietersen.
- Strike-rate: At 171, Salt is way ahead of other England batters with 500+ T20I runs.
When Salt fires, England wins.
Dominating the IPL and Global T20 Cricket
Salt’s dominance isn’t limited to internationals. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he is the only batter with 1,000+ runs at a strike-rate over 175. His 175.70 strike-rate is the highest of any batter with 30+ IPL innings, outpacing legends like Andre Russell, AB de Villiers, and Jos Buttler.
Having played key roles for both Kolkata Knight Riders (2024) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2025), Salt has proven himself as one of the most dangerous openers in franchise cricket worldwide.
Partnership with Jos Buttler – England’s Best Opening Duo?
Alongside Jos Buttler, Salt has already registered four century opening stands in just 18 innings—a record that compares with the greatest T20 opening pairs of all time, including Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul and David Warner & Aaron Finch.
With the T20 World Cup 2025 approaching in India and Sri Lanka, Salt and Buttler are expected to be England’s first-choice opening partnership.
What About ODIs?
While Salt has not played a One Day International (ODI) since the Champions Trophy, he remains in contention for a comeback. With an average of 32 and a strike-rate of 115 in 33 ODIs, his ultra-aggressive approach could still find a place in England’s 50-over plans, especially with upcoming matches against Sri Lanka.
The Road Ahead
Phil Salt’s journey reflects the evolution of modern cricket—where fearless strikers redefine batting standards. With England relying on his explosive starts, and IPL franchises valuing his consistency, Salt is no longer just an underrated talent. He is on a clear path toward T20 greatness.
