Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam, Nov 25: In a sensational turn of events at the IPL 2025 Auction, Rasikh Salam, a young cricketer from Ashmuji, Kulgam, was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a remarkable ₹6 crore. The fast bowler, known for his explosive pace and impressive performances in domestic cricket, attracted the attention of IPL scouts, resulting in a heated bidding war for his services.
Salam’s meteoric rise in the cricketing world has been fueled by standout performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his raw pace and ability to trouble batsmen with bounce made him one of the most sought-after players in the auction. RCB’s strategic move to bring Salam into their squad is seen as a vital addition to their bowling attack, which has been a key focus area for the franchise in recent seasons.
The auction, held at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, saw Salam emerge as one of the top attractions. With a base price of ₹30 lakh, the 21-year-old quickly sparked a bidding war between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The price surged past ₹1 crore as both teams vied for his signature, with RCB’s aggressive bidding strategy pushing the price to ₹2 crore. This forced SRH to withdraw from the race.
Delhi Capitals (DC) then exercised the Right to Match (RTM) option, but RCB remained resolute, continuing to raise the bid. In a nail-biting conclusion, RCB secured Salam for ₹6 crore, outbidding DC and sealing the deal for the promising pacer.
Speaking about his brother’s rise to fame, Rasikh’s sibling, Irfan Salam, credited the nurturing of his talent to his cousin, Nadeem Dar, a sensational allrounder from the region. Nadeem has been instrumental in shaping Rasikh’s cricketing career, helping him hone his skills and prepare for bigger challenges.
Salam’s remarkable journey from domestic cricket to the IPL has captured the imagination of cricket fans, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. His acquisition by RCB is expected to add significant firepower to their bowling attack as they aim for their maiden IPL title. Known for his ability to perform under pressure and bowl at high speeds, Salam will be eager to make his mark in the IPL and help RCB achieve their dream of securing the coveted trophy.
