SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Rasikh Salam was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 6 crore during the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction on Sunday. Salam attracted bids from Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Delhi Capitals, for whom he took nine wickets in eight matches last season, attempted to use the ‘Right to Match’ (RTM) card. However, RCB ultimately secured the player.
The bidding initially stopped at Rs 2 crore in RCB’s favour, but Delhi Capitals, impressed by Salam’s performances last season, invoked their RTM card. RCB promptly raised their bid to Rs 6 crore.
Salam has overcome several challenges to establish himself as a consistent wicket-taker. In 2018, when Irfan Pathan joined Jammu and Kashmir’s domestic team as a mentor, he identified Salam as a promising talent. Although not very fast, Salam’s accuracy and ability to move the ball impressed Pathan.
Salam was signed by Mumbai Indians in 2019 and debuted at 17, becoming only the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the IPL. However, in June 2019, his career faced a setback when he was banned for two years by the BCCI for discrepancies in his age records. He returned to the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 but featured in only two matches. Last season, Delhi Capitals signed Salam, where he delivered strong performances. Recently, Salam also featured in the Emerging Asia Cup.
The IPL mega auction saw several high-profile moves. Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer became the two most expensive players in IPL history, going to Lucknow Super Giants (Rs 27 crore) and Punjab Kings (Rs 26.75 crore), respectively. Mumbai Indians reacquired Trent Boult, reuniting him with Jasprit Bumrah, while Jofra Archer returned to Rajasthan Royals. Kolkata Knight Riders signed Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 23.75 crore. Ishan Kishan joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 11.25 crore, while Glenn Maxwell and R Ashwin returned to Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings, respectively.
Other notable purchases included Arshdeep Singh, acquired by Punjab Kings using the RTM card for Rs 18 crore, KL Rahul joining Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore, and Liam Livingstone signing with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 8.75 crore.
