Released KKR Batter Slams Third T20I Hundred to Raise Stocks Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction

Sagar Paul

Former KKR batter Phil Salt hit a brilliant century, leading England to an easy eight-wicket win over West Indies in the first T20 in Barbados.

Salt powered England to victory with 19 balls remaining, scoring an impressive 103* from just 54 balls, including nine fours and six sixes. England reached 183-2 in the 17th over, successfully chasing the target of 183.

The English wicketkeeper made history as the first player to score three T20I centuries against a single team, with his previous two tons against the West Indies coming in back-to-back innings last December. He averages 83 against the West Indies in T20Is, having scored 581 runs in 10 matches, including two half-centuries and three centuries.

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Phil Salt is now the third player from a full-member nation to hit three T20I centuries, joining Pakistan’s Babar Azam and New Zealand’s Colin Munro. Only Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Glenn Maxwell have scored more.

Phil Salt’s century set to boost his IPL 2025 Auction value

It came as a surprise when Phil Salt, who many expected Kolkata Knight Riders to retain, was released by the franchise on the retention deadline day. After playing a key role in their title win, Salt’s recent century has certainly raised his profile, and his performance is likely to boost his stocks in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction.

Since KKR have used up all their retained slots, they won’t be able to use an RTM (Right to Match) card on Salt. If they want him back, they’ll have to compete in the auction with other franchises. With Salt’s current form, he’s expected to draw significant interest and could be sold at a high price.