At ES Sport, we know that momentum is everything in cricket. A player in form can tilt the balance of a match, a tournament, or even a franchise’s identity. Right now, few cricketers embody that idea more than Phil Salt. The England opener has been in devastating touch, producing innings of clarity, power and composure that mark him out as one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the game.
For Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR), who have confirmed Salt among their big retentions for the DP World ILT20 2025-26 season, it now seems that move is potentially season-defining. The excitement around the DP World ILT20 2025-26 has added to the expectations for the upcoming matches.
England fireworks hint at what’s to come
Salt’s September purple patch underlined just how far he has come. At Old Trafford on 12 September, he blazed an unbeaten 141 from 60 deliveries against South Africa. England surged to 304 for two, the highest T20 total by a full ICC member nation. The acceleration was relentless: 100 in the powerplay, 166 at the halfway mark, and Salt reaching three figures in only 39 balls. “It was really good fun, a personal milestone but also the fact we got to 300 and won by such a big margin, you cannot ask for much more,” he reflected afterwards.
Days later in Dublin, he hammered 89 against Ireland, proving it was no one-off. Jos Buttler, his England captain and opening partner, explained the shift: “He’s improved year on year, and his consistency as well. He was someone who was so explosive, but now being able to bat long as well is great.”
That blend of explosiveness and durability is exactly what ADKR need to front-load their campaign in Abu Dhabi.
From cameo hitter to complete opener
Salt’s transformation has been years in the making. Early in his career, he was typecast as a six-or-out batter, someone who would light up the first few overs but rarely go the distance. The last 18 months have changed that picture.
He now picks his moments more carefully, shelving certain strokes until bowlers forget about them, and extending his innings beyond the powerplay. His record opening with Buttler, an average north of 60 across 18 innings, shows how he has married pace with substance.
For a franchise like ADKR, this makes him invaluable. A flying start is no longer followed by collapse. Instead, Salt provides a platform that allows finishers like Andre Russell to attack the death overs with freedom.
ADKR’s blueprint for season four
The Knight Riders’ retention and signing strategy speaks volumes. Salt, Narine and Russell form the core. Around them, the franchise has secured Liam Livingstone, Alex Hales and Sherfane Rutherford, hitters who can stretch attacks in different ways.
The tactical plan is clear:
- Overs 1–6 (powerplay): Salt leads the charge, forcing captains to change fields early.
- Overs 7–15 (middle): Flexible rotation of Livingstone, Hales and Rutherford to attack spin and medium pace.
- Overs 16–20 (death): Russell provides the fireworks, supported by Narine’s ability to pinch-hit if needed.
Salt’s role is the glue that holds this together. Start at nine runs per over in the powerplay, and every decision afterwards is easier.
The challenges of the Gulf conditions
Batting in Abu Dhabi is not identical to England. Early swing can test openers, and the abrasive surfaces sometimes grip for spinners in the middle overs. But Salt’s clean, straight hitting is tailor-made for these conditions. Trusting the bounce, he can hit back over the bowler’s head with minimal risk, a high-percentage option at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
His wicketkeeping adds another layer of value. It frees ADKR to field an extra bowler or all-rounder, enhancing their balance without compromising fielding quality. Franchise teams often struggle with overseas quotas in these roles; Salt solves that problem in one stroke.
The DP World ILT20 gets sharper
The 2025-26 season of the DP World International League T20 will run from 2 December to 4 January, with games in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
This condensed calendar means less room for slow starts. Teams need to hit form immediately. That makes Salt’s current rhythm particularly valuable: ADKR can stride into the tournament with confidence rather than searching for chemistry in week two.
With franchises strengthened by big retentions and the window clear of international clashes, the competition promises to be the most competitive edition yet.
Rivals will take note
Opponents will already be planning for Salt. South Africa’s Aiden Markram summed up the problem after being on the receiving end in Manchester: “Two masterclasses up front from them and when you are put under that kind of pressure, it is hard to pull it back.”
That is the crux. Salt forces bowling units into defence before they have found rhythm. In a 20-over contest, that is a priceless advantage.
More than just a player
Salt’s presence also stabilises ADKR’s dressing room. A clear first-choice opener gives certainty to the batting order. It allows management to plan match-ups, to decide when Narine’s pinch-hitting should be deployed, and to give Russell maximum license at the end.
This clarity matters in short tournaments. Teams that chop and change line-ups often fall behind in the early fixtures. With Salt opening, ADKR can build consistency from the very start.
Experience the spectacle with ES Sport
At ES Sport, we are proud to be the Official Travel & Hospitality Partner of the DP World ILT20. We believe that watching cricket at this level should be more than just attending a match; it should be a world-class experience.
That’s why we have created exclusive hospitality packages for the DP World ILT20, including:
- The Shams Suite: Premium seating with unparalleled views, luxury service and gourmet catering.
- Hospitality Lounges: Relaxed yet exclusive environments with complimentary food and beverages.
- Premium match tickets: Guaranteeing the best sightlines in the stadium.
You can explore the full range of our packages here: ES Sport DP World ILT20 Experiences.
Looking ahead to December
ADKR are not the only team with ambitions. The DP World ILT20 has quickly become a showcase for world-class talent, and franchises such as Dubai Capitals and Gulf Giants will bring their own heavy hitters. Yet few teams possess an opener in Salt’s current vein of form.
His September feats with England were not just about numbers on a scorecard. They showed a batter who has learned to control tempo, to bat long, and to dictate terms. If that version of Phil Salt turns up in Abu Dhabi, ADKR will be a force from the very first ball.
The DP World ILT20 2025-26 will be tighter, tougher and more competitive than ever before. For fans, the chance to see it unfold in Abu Dhabi is unmissable. And for those who want to combine unforgettable cricket with luxury comfort, ES Sport’s hospitality packages provide the ultimate way to experience it.
Secure your place at the DP World ILT20 today with ES Sport’s exclusive hospitality packages and witness Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – and Phil Salt – light up the winter’s most exciting cricket tournament.
