Rasikh Salam’s rise from ban to RCB’s title heroics
msn | June 8, 2026 8:39 AM CST
Final’s turning point: Rasikh took three key wickets in the IPL 2026 final, helping RCB restrict Gujarat Titans to 155 and secure back-to-back titles. Long road back: After a two-year ban and injury setbacks, Rasikh rebuilt his career through domestic cricket and multiple IPL franchises. Mentor’s faith: Irfan Pathan spotted Rasikh in 2018 and backed him through adversity, shaping his disciplined, variation-heavy bowling style.
Rasikh’s decisive role in RCB’s title defence
Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as a crucial figure in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 pace attack, finishing with 19 wickets at 21.32 in 12 matches. In the final, he dismissed Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia, and Rashid Khan to return 3 for 27, becoming only the second uncapped player in IPL history to take three or more wickets in a final. His performance complemented veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, underpinning RCB’s five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans for consecutive titles.
From overlooked trials to IPL breakthrough
Rasikh’s journey began with repeated rejections at Jammu and Kashmir trials until Irfan Pathan spotted his raw pace and slower-ball skill in 2018. Pathan arranged senior squad exposure despite political pushback, ultimately leading to the Mumbai Indians signing him in 2019. A two-year ban over age-record discrepancies halted his rise, but he persisted through local cricket and domestic moves, eventually earning RCB’s Rs 6 crore bid in 2025.
Overcoming bans, injuries, and franchise shifts
Post-ban, Rasikh’s career saw limited opportunities with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals before injury further stalled progress. A six-month rehabilitation in Bengaluru under physiotherapist Ashish Kaushik rebuilt his fitness and confidence. His move from J&K to Baroda in domestic cricket provided more match exposure, sharpening his skills for RCB’s eventual trust in 2026.
Bowling craft and future potential
Rasikh’s 2026 success stemmed from disciplined variations — yorkers, slower balls, and swing both ways — making him unpredictable in a batter-dominated season. Mentors likened his role to a stabilising ‘callus’ in RCB’s attack, and teammates praised his clarity and execution. Pathan believes Rasikh can also excel with the new ball, hinting at untapped potential for higher honours, possibly including an India call-up.
Rasikh’s decisive role in RCB’s title defence
Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as a crucial figure in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 pace attack, finishing with 19 wickets at 21.32 in 12 matches. In the final, he dismissed Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia, and Rashid Khan to return 3 for 27, becoming only the second uncapped player in IPL history to take three or more wickets in a final. His performance complemented veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, underpinning RCB’s five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans for consecutive titles.
From overlooked trials to IPL breakthrough
Rasikh’s journey began with repeated rejections at Jammu and Kashmir trials until Irfan Pathan spotted his raw pace and slower-ball skill in 2018. Pathan arranged senior squad exposure despite political pushback, ultimately leading to the Mumbai Indians signing him in 2019. A two-year ban over age-record discrepancies halted his rise, but he persisted through local cricket and domestic moves, eventually earning RCB’s Rs 6 crore bid in 2025.
Overcoming bans, injuries, and franchise shifts
Post-ban, Rasikh’s career saw limited opportunities with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals before injury further stalled progress. A six-month rehabilitation in Bengaluru under physiotherapist Ashish Kaushik rebuilt his fitness and confidence. His move from J&K to Baroda in domestic cricket provided more match exposure, sharpening his skills for RCB’s eventual trust in 2026.
Bowling craft and future potential
Rasikh’s 2026 success stemmed from disciplined variations — yorkers, slower balls, and swing both ways — making him unpredictable in a batter-dominated season. Mentors likened his role to a stabilising ‘callus’ in RCB’s attack, and teammates praised his clarity and execution. Pathan believes Rasikh can also excel with the new ball, hinting at untapped potential for higher honours, possibly including an India call-up.
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