Rasikh Salaam impresses one and all on his IPL debut

The 17-yearold rookie pacer from J&K impressed one and all during his surprise debut in Indian Premier League (IPL) at famous Wankhade Stadium Mumbai on Sunday.

Handed a surprise debut by Mumbai Indian during theiropening game of the IPL 2019 season, Rasikh went on to start the match bybowling first over. Rasikh began by beating Delhi Capitals opener ShikharDhawan with an outswinger, bowled at 131 kmph. While all other bowlers weregoing on for plenty, his first three overs went for 21 only that despite noballs and wide he bowled. Later Rasikh returned to bowl the final over of theinnings, where he like others was taken apart by a destructive Rishabh Pant. Hisfinal over went for 20 runs, with Pant alone hitting 19 of them. Overall, hewent for 42 runs in four overs, without taking a wicket.

   

It was surprise for everyone to see Rasikh playing the firstmatch for the Mumbai Indians and then being given the responsibility of openingthe bowling. Though everyone who had seen Rasikh bowling knew that he has gotsomething special in him but no one expected such a surprise call from RohitSharma lead Mumbai Indians.

The multiple time IPL champions have got plenty of pacebowlers in its arsenal and still went ahead with rookie pacer in the openinggame. The special one from South Kashmir’s Ashmuji village of Kulgam districtdidn’t let down anyone as he impressed one and all.

In the post match press conference, Yuvraj Singh was allpraise for Rasikh and said, “The day Rasikh came in the nets, everybody wasimpressed. He got hit for a six and a four on his last two balls but apart fromthat, he was very good. He handled himself well in front of a massive crowd”.

This was not all, as social media was also abuzz with thedebut of the young cricketer from Kashmir who is termed as find of IrfanPathan.

Irfan Pathan himself went on to praise Rakish and was quotedas saying, “It’s a really happy moment for me. I first saw him in districtselection (trials) in J&K. After he had bowled just a couple of balls, Iknew that this guy has something special”.

He also tweeted, “Wow such a great news this is for J&Kcricket. Young prodigy Rashikh Salam making his debut for Mumbai Indian’s, feelingemotional, happy and great feeling”.

Former Indian and IPL cricketer Manoj Tiwary also tweetedand praised Irfan Pathan for bringing in the talent like Rasikh in front ofeveryone.

“Yesterday in the game between Mumbai and Delhi we sawRasikh Salam from J&K state made his IPL debut. Looks promising. Kudos toMumbai Indian’s for showing confidence on him and giving him the platform. Oneman is working behind the scene for J&K upcoming talented players is IrfanPathan bhai,” Tiwari tweeted.

Rasikh is now second cricketer from J&K to play in IPLafter Parvez Rasool who played for couple of seasons before going unsold inlast couple of auctions. J&K skipper also praised debut of Rasikh.

“This is a proud moment for whole J&K. This kid isreally amazing coming first time from his village Kulgam to play cricket andsame year played all formats including IPL shows how talented he is,”Parvez Rasool was quoted as saying.

Though it was surprisefor everyone on Sunday as Mumbai handed Rasikh debut in its opening match butif one would have followed the team keenly there were always indicationscoming.

In one of his pre tournament press conference former Indianteam legend and now Director Cricket Mumbai Indian’s Zaheer Khan had given hintabout it.

“We have identified a couple of players. Rasikh is here.Jaswal has been inducted. The management has always promoted young talent andwe’ll continue to do that.” he had said.

Rasikh is termed as Pathan find and there is reason for thatas it was Pathan who picked him straight for the J&K senior team out ofnowhere.

Rasikh had done prettywell in J&K Cricket Association district level tournament. Like othercricketers he was called for talent hunt held by Irfan Pathan in Srinagar. Hewas spotted by Pathan during the camp and picked him for the senior teamcoaching camp. Doing well in the camp was taken along with J&K senior teamto Andhra Pradesh for Vizzy Trophy tour. He did well during the event and thenwent to play in Vijay Hazare trophy for J&K and then also played forJ&K Under-19 team. During Vijay Hazare trophy Rasikh was spotted by MumbaiIndian spotters and was called for trials. In the meantime he played forJ&K in Ranji Trophy and also in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. During IPLplayers auction Mumbai Indian’s bid and brought him for 20 lakhs. He then wenton to join team early in order to focus on his fitness and cardio.   

Pertinently last year Kings XI Punjab had brought ManzoorPandav but he was not given chance in playing eleven and then was released fromteam before player’s auction. In that perspective, Rasikh playing first matchproves that the youngster has got lot of talent.

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