Jammu, May 13: Feeling proud over the consistent performances of Rasikh Salam at the IPL scene, the entire cricket fraternity of J&K is keen to see the bowler in Team India soon.
Former J&K cricketer and Member of J&K Government UT Sports Council, Ranjeet Kalra while complimenting Rasikh Salam for his brilliant run at this year’s IPL saidn,” Rasikh Salam is a living example of ‘never say die’ spirit. He faced a lot of odds in his career but fought against them with persistent hardwork and resilience. I would also like to commend the Delhi Capitals team management who exhibited tremendous faith in his abilities and backed him. Rasikh always had the fire and the talent to perform at the highest levels and it was just a matter of time as to when he would find his much overdue fame and success.I am glad that he is among the top performing fast bowlers this season.”
“I hope and pray that he continues to be focused and plays for the country in the near future. We all are so very proud of him.” Mr hu Kalra added.
Meanwhile, becoming penultimate over specialist for Delhi Capitals, talented Rasikh once again took two important wickets against Royal Challengers Bangalore tonight including in-form explosive batter Rajat Patidar (52) when the batter was going great guns and Swapnil Singh (00), before contributing valuable 12 runs in a partnership of 37 off 24 balls with Axar Patel at a crucial stage of the match, however, Delhi Capitals were on the losing side.
On the other day, Rasikh took all important wicket of Riyan Parag against formidable Rajasthan Royals before scoring 3-ball 9 runs and continued to be impressive in Delhi Capitals’ victories, thus keeping his side alive for the playoffs, besides keeping J&K’s flag high at the Indian Premier League (IPL) and making J&K Cricket fraternity feel proud.
“Rasikh is a wonderful bowler. He has the ability to wobble the ball both ways, besides having tremendous control on line and length and having art of bowling lethal slowers. A great display of bowling skills by this charismatic Speedster, is making the entire cricket fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir feel proud,” said former First Class Cricketer, Mr Surinder Singh Bagal, left-arm fast bowler who had the distinction of representing India-A teams against Australia and England.
It is pertinent to mention here that Rasikh earlier in IPL this season captured 3/44 against Gujarat Titans and 3/34 against formidable Mumbai Indians.
What gives immense satisfaction to Rasikh’s well wishers and fans is the fact that he has now become a penultimate over specialist.
Former First Class Cricketer, NIS and BCCI Level-1 Coach, Mr Huwaid Hamid was of the same opinion. He said that Rasikh’s 3-wicket hauls against Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in the earlier matches is a testament to his skill and brilliance. He performed brilliantly in the last season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 and other Senior Men’s tournaments. He deserves National Selectors nod for his selection to the higher levels.
Rakesh Koul, former First Class Cricketer while terming Rasikh Salam a special talent said if he continues to perform in the same way, the day is not far away to see him represent the nation.
Meanwhile, when contacted soon after his team Delhi Capitals’ match against RCB, Rasikh said, “By the grace of God it is going on very well as far as my bowling is concerned.
“My Team Management, Captain and all the players are very much supportive and back me all the time. I owe my success to my Captain and the Support Staff. I will leave no stone unturned to continue doing well,” Rasikh maintained.
