New Delhi: A young batsman is playing. Jaspreet Bumrah The first time will usually show signs of nervousness, tension, or even a little fear. But 23-year-old Salil Arora showed none of that during the IPL 2026 match between SRH and MI. What stood out instead was his fearless style, headlined by a brilliant no-look six straight over Bumrah’s head.The shot caught everyone’s attention, including his partner at the non-striker’s end, Henrik Klaasen. After the match, Klaasen revealed during a post-match interview with broadcasters, “He asked me if he could hit it (when 12 on 11 was needed) and I said yes – finish the game.”
Salil remained unbeaten on 30 runs off just 10 balls, hitting three sixes at an impressive strike rate of 300. And it wasn’t just Bumrah that he took. He also attacked Hardik Pandya, hitting him for two sixes. One of them stood out—a quick, short arm pull. Picking the length early, Salil spun into position and sent the ball over mid-wicket, leaving Pandya stunned.Practice 750 balls every dayBehind this fearless knock lies serious preparation. For about a year and a half, Salil has trained hard – facing around 250 deliveries per session, three times a day, often with a cusco ball. He also worked with the side-arm throwers, working at 140-150 kmph to be match-ready for the IPL.So when Bumrah slotted it, Salil was ready. No hesitation, no second thoughts – just pure execution.“Slot mein aye gi to chica jaye ga,” Arora’s coach Rajan Gill recalled his student saying during those days of practice.
As the coach pointed out, it was not random – it was the result of a clear plan, detailed preparation, and focused training for the IPL.“He didn’t see Bumrah at all, he saw Surfball [he did not look at the bowler, he just looked at the delivery]. If it’s in the slot, he won’t spare it. The ball will definitely go over the fence. This is the result of one and a half years of hard work. We practiced this with Kosko. [tennis] The ball is something to behold if you look at his bat speed. He has worked a lot on it,” Gill told TimesofIndia.com.“I’ll explain. We decided there would be three sessions each day, all with Cosco [tennis] Balls There were about 200 to 250 deliveries in each session – thus a total of about 600 to 700 balls in a day. The sessions were divided into three parts: the first with regular balls, the second with wet balls by the fast bowlers, and the third with taped balls. Sometimes we also practiced with white and red leather balls, but making the Cosco-ball was our focus. And whenever he came to earth, he never sat empty. He was always doing something – fielding, or sometimes even wicket-keeping,” he said.“There are people who say they play 1,500 or 2,000 balls a day. I don’t believe in that formula. Practice needs to be purposeful, clear and with the right mindset. Playing 2,000 balls a day doesn’t make a player. Even if you face 100 balls with quality,” he said, “you can still become one.”“He practiced hitting shots close to his body – what you call the short-arm job. For that we used stick bowlers and throw-down specialists. Some of them can simulate speeds of 140-150 kmph,” added Gill.How did Salil catch Ishan Kishan’s eyes?It was against Ishan Kishan’s Jharkhand team that Salil produced one of his most memorable innings before moving on to the IPL.In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season, he scored an unbeaten 125 off just 45 balls, hitting 11 sixes in a brutal display of power hitting. And Ishaan, leading the opposition, had a front-row seat to the carnage as the youngster cleared the ropes with ease.
Salil finished the tournament with 358 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 198.88. His tally of 28 sixes was the second highest in the competition.According to his coach, this brilliant innings made a deep impression on Ishan and played a key role in Salil signing a Rs 1.50 crore contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2026.“That was the match that changed everything for Salil. He spoke highly of Ishan Kishan after that match. As a senior player and captain, Ishaan spoke to him, praised his knock, and shared some tips,” said the coach.Despite being an uncapped domestic player, Sunrisers Hyderabad showed strong intent in the auction, largely inspired by Salil’s domestic performances.He made the most of his early opportunities in the practice matches, producing some eye-catching outings that convinced the team management to back him from the start of the campaign.And as luck would have it, in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, Kishan led SRH early on, and Salil was promoted up the order ahead of Aniket Verma in the opening games.In his first 7 outings, Salil scored 9 vs RCB, 0 vs KKR, 9 vs Punjab Kings, 24* vs Rajasthan Royals, 13 vs CSK, 8* vs Rajasthan Royals. While the numbers may not stand out, the team continues to show confidence in his ability.That belief was finally fulfilled when his explosive 30 off just 10 balls – highlighted by a brilliant six from Jasprit Bumrah – proved why the management was sticking with him.“He used to say, ‘Sir, an innings is not fun until it’s 6-7.’ He ran well in the SRH practice matches, and thus earned the captain’s trust. Salle often says that Heinrich Klaasen taught him a lot and gave him a lot of advice. Ishaan Kishan also really likes her and supports her. ‘So it’s just a game like a game, no overthinking. So play well,’ [You keep on playing the way you do, do not overthink, you play really well] Ishaan keeps telling him,” the coach said.Fulfilling his father’s dreamSalil’s journey has been far from easy. After losing his father two years ago, his elder brother stepped in to take over the family business, ensuring that Salil could continue to pursue his father’s dream – to become a cricketer, play in the IPL, and one day represent India.
It was a difficult phase, with several challenges that could have easily halted its progress.However, his coach insists Salil was always a special talent who never lost sight of his purpose. He continued to work on his game, increasing his shot range and remaining determined despite setbacks.“He was devastated. It took some time for his family and me to help him deal with it. He is still young and very close to his father. His father had only one dream – to see his son play in India and in the IPL. One has already been fulfilled, and I am sure he too will represent India one day.” said the coach.
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What aspect of Salil Arora’s performance impressed you the most?
Salil – Pooja path type guyMany cricketers follow their own pre-match rituals, and for Salil, it starts with a visit to a temple. Be it a local tournament, state-level cricket, or the IPL, he tries to find a temple, offer prayers and only then step onto the field.“He is a Pooja Path kind of guy. I remember one incident when he had a match – he got up early in the morning and went looking for a temple to worship,” he said.“Actually, he doesn’t drink. He is a chai wala. Even at Sunrisers Hyderabad parties, he likes to sit with a glass of haldiwala doodh (turmeric milk)”, the coach added.
