Punjab wicket-keeper batter Salil Arora made headlines after an explosive innings in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), scoring an unbeaten 125 off just 45 balls against Jharkhand. His innings included 11 sixes and 9 fours, giving Punjab a strong total of 235/6 in the 20-over match at DY Patil Academy, Ambi, Pune.
Despite his remarkable performance, Jharkhand chased down the target in 18.1 overs, scoring 237/4. Captain Ishan Kishan contributed 47 runs off 23 balls, while Kumar Kushagra’s 86-ball knock turned the match in Jharkhand’s favor. Even though Punjab lost the match, Salil Arora’s innings ensured he is firmly on the radar for the upcoming IPL mini-auction on December 16.
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Who is Salil Arora?
Salil Arora, born on November 7, 2002, in Amritsar, Punjab, is a right-handed wicket-keeper batter. He made his T20 and first-class debut in 2024. Arora has played nine first-class matches, scoring 458 runs at an average of 41.63, including one century and three half-centuries. Before this innings, he had scored 142 runs in six T20 matches.
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Although he is a wicket-keeper by role, Punjab’s captain Prabhsimran Singh kept wickets in this game, allowing Arora to focus entirely on batting. With IPL franchises looking for young Indian talent, Arora has positioned himself as a valuable uncapped player, having registered under the wicket-keeper category for the auction with a base price of INR 30 lakh.
A Career-Defining Performance
Arora’s 39-ball century showcased his aggressive style and power-hitting ability, particularly in the death overs. His strike rate of over 250 demonstrates his capacity to change the course of a T20 match in a matter of overs. The innings has grabbed attention from multiple IPL franchises, including the Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, who are reportedly scouting for reliable Indian wicket-keepers.
IPL Mini-Auction Audition For Salil Arora
With just a few days left before the IPL mini-auction, Arora’s performance is expected to boost his demand among teams seeking uncapped Indian talent. His ability to play fast-paced innings under pressure, combined with wicket-keeping skills, makes him an ideal choice for franchises planning to strengthen their middle order.
Salil Arora’s stellar performance in the SMAT could mark the beginning of a promising IPL career, and fans will be eagerly watching which team secures the young talent in the upcoming auction.