Rasikh Salam was born on 5th April, 2000. He is the third cricketer to play in the IPL from Jammu and Kashmir. He is from Ashmuji area of Kulgam. He is a right arm pacer. His father is a school teacher. He does not belong from a wealthy family and his cricketing career so far has been a struggle. His father recalled that Rasikh did not have the money to travel by bus for practice. His father was a part time school teacher at that time but a few years ago, it became permanent. Many people helped him financially so that he could continue to pursue his dream.
He was rejected in the trials several times. In 2018, he turned up for a U-19 selection trial in Jammu and Kashmir. He only got to bowl three balls before he was stopped by the former Indian Cricket team pacer, Irfan Pathan. He was mesmerized with the speed he was bowling. His ability to swing the ball both ways impressed him very much and was invited to practice with the senior team. He played 11 practice matches before he was selected for the Vijay Hazare team.
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After his impressive display, Pathan met with the manager of Mumbai Indians and showed the videos of his bowling. The video left him spellbound and asked Rasikh to report at Mumbai for a trial. He impressed everyone with his control and ability to bowl slower ones. After interacting with Rasikh, Pathan came to know that this was the first time he was staying in a hotel and it was a dream moment for him. The only thing which left him baffled is that he missed a couple of selection trials because of the lack of money. In 2018, Mumbai Indians signed him for the 2019 IPL.
It was truly a great job done by Irfan Pathan to dig out such talents and give them the exposure and opportunities even though they don't have the required funds. This year he was picked up by the franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. After watching his IPL debut performances, his father was extremely proud as his child fulfilled his dreams which were shattered due to lack of money. He said that his success is not restricted to his family but it is for the entire village. We all wish him the best for his career.
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