Rasikh Salam’s Remarkable IPL Journey: How Irfan Pathan’s Faith Turned Rejection into Royal Challengers Bengaluru Success Rasikh Salam Dar’s journey to the Indian Premier League has been defined by a combination of rejection, persistence, and a pivotal decision by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. His path from Kashmir trials to becoming a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) highlights the role of mentorship and belief in shaping a cricketing career. The story of Salam’s rise is not just about his personal resilience but also about the transformative impact of Pathan’s faith in his potential. The turning point in Salam’s career occurred during a trial at the Sher i Kashmir Stadium, where he faced repeated disappointment. As a young fast bowler, he had attended multiple Under 16 and Under 19 selections but never made it past the top 30. Rejection had become a routine part of his life. During a trial in 2019, Pathan observed Salam’s brief performance. The 17-year-old bowled a slower ball followed by a quicker delivery, a combination that caught Pathan’s attention. Despite the brevity of his display, Pathan made a bold decision to push Salam into the senior selection group. This act of faith proved transformative. Salam seized the opportunity, delivering a hat trick in his first senior match, which marked the beginning of his ascent. Salam’s early career was not without challenges. He made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians in 2019 as the youngest player at the time, but his progress was halted by a two-year ban due to a birth certificate discrepancy. This legal issue, which stemmed from an administrative error, forced him to rebuild his career with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #irfan_pathan #mumbai_indians #rasikh_salam #sher_i_kashmir_stadium
Irfan Pathan on Ruturaj Gaikwad: ‘If he wants to open…his approach will have to change’ Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad faced criticism from former cricketers Irfan Pathan and Sadagoppan Ramesh after scoring just 15 runs from 18 balls against Delhi Capitals. Pathan, reflecting on Gaikwad’s batting approach, suggested the player should consider moving to the number three position if he intends to maintain his current style. “Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting approach definitely needs attention,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel. “If his approach in the last match is considered, he faced 17 balls and his control percentage was excellent. It means he did not take much risk and was not looking to play too aggressively. He did not want to lose his wicket. Then just play at number three. If he wants to continue with this approach, he should bat at No. 3. But if he wants to open, then as Ruturaj Gaikwad, his approach will have to change.” Gaikwad’s poor form in the ongoing IPL season has drawn attention, with Ramesh attributing his struggles to the pressures of leading the team. “Right now, too many things are running in his mind. It’s important he comes in as only a batter when he walks out to bat. Most captains can’t do that, though. When you bring the captain tag along while batting, too many things run through your head. He should talk to himself as a captain and ask himself to bat freely. If he also combines with Sanju, it’s one of the best pairs of the IPL,” Ramesh added. The discussion also extended to CSK’s selection strategy for their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Pathan emphasized the need to give Akeal Hosein consistent opportunities, citing his performance in the previous game. “Another important factor is Akeal Hosein, who played the last match.#chennai_super_kings #irfan_pathan #ruturaj_gaikwad #delhi_capitals #sadagoppan_ramesh
Irfan Pathan Advises Arshdeep Singh to Focus on New Ball Bowling and Economy Ahead of IPL 2026 Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has highlighted a key weakness in Punjab Kings' squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) and urged fast bowler Arshdeep Singh to refine his performance with the new ball. Pathan, who recently shared insights on his YouTube channel, emphasized the need for Arshdeep to improve his swing and control, particularly when bowling with the new ball, to maximize his impact for the team. Arshdeep, a key player for Punjab Kings, has been a consistent performer in the tournament, securing 127 wickets in his career. However, Pathan pointed out that the bowler has struggled to maintain his effectiveness with the new ball in recent matches. "Arshdeep is still taking wickets, but he needs to focus more on bowling with the new ball," Pathan said. "In the past year, he hasn’t been able to generate much swing, which is a concern." Pathan also raised concerns about Arshdeep’s economy rate, which has increased from 8.29 in the 2025 Asia Cup to 9.05 since then. The former captain noted that after the Asia Cup, Arshdeep’s figures have shown a slight decline, particularly in his ability to control the new ball. "His numbers have dipped, especially with the new ball, and he needs to work on that," Pathan added. Arshdeep’s performance in the T20 format has been notable, with a strong record in the powerplay overs. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, he played a crucial role in India’s victory, taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.16. He is ranked among the top fast bowlers in the powerplay, trailing only Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India’s bowling hierarchy. In the powerplay, Arshdeep has taken 90 wickets in 161 matches at an economy rate of 8.24.#ipl_2026 #irfan_pathan #arshdeep_singh #punjab_kings #asia_cup
Virat Kohli's IPL 2026 Debut: A Masterclass in Batting and Endorsements Virat Kohli made a commanding entrance into the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, dazzling fans and former cricketers alike with his stellar performance in the opening match. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the 37-year-old icon delivered a masterclass in batting, cementing his status as the "Run Machine" and reaffirming his place as one of cricket’s all-time greats. A Dominant Start to IPL 2026 In the first match of the tournament, Kohli showcased his trademark composure and power-hitting, guiding RCB to a formidable total. His innings, laden with boundaries and a mix of elegance and aggression, not only set the tone for the team but also left the opposition reeling. Former cricketers and analysts were quick to laud his performance, with many hailing it as a testament to his enduring class. Reactions from the Cricketing World Akash Chopra: The former cricketer and commentator praised Kohli’s ability to remain focused and unselfish, even in the face of pressure. “Kohli’s strength lies in his humility. Even when Paddick is batting brilliantly, he’s happy to support. His vision is always on winning for his team,” Chopra wrote. Irfan Pathan: The all-rounder echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Kohli is the best run chaser in the world. His 28th half-century at Chinnaswamy Stadium was a masterclass in patience and precision.” Mohammad Azharuddin: The legendary batsman called Kohli the “Run Machine,” emphasizing his ability to consistently deliver under pressure. “He’s a champion who never gives up. His dedication to the game is unmatched,” Azharuddin remarked. RCB’s Social Media Praise RCB’s official social media accounts celebrated Kohli’s innings with a post highlighting his record in the IPL.#ipl_2026 #virat_kohli #irfan_pathan #royal_challengers_bangalore #akash_chopra
IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan hints at MS Dhoni’s successor in CSK, names this star Irfan Pathan suggested that the signing of Sanju Samson by Chennai Super Kings could indicate that MS Dhoni may be preparing to retire from the Indian Premier League after the 2026 season. During an interview on JioStar’s “IPL Today Live,” Pathan remarked that Samson’s inclusion signals a shift in the team’s strategy, positioning the wicketkeeper-batsman as a long-term asset around whom the franchise can rebuild. This move, Pathan implied, could mark the beginning of Dhoni’s transition away from leadership roles. Pathan noted that Samson’s arrival provides the team with a reliable option for the next several years, allowing CSK to construct a squad centered on the player’s strengths. “It looks like this will be MS Dhoni’s last season,” Pathan said. “The signs are there because, if you look at the Chennai setup, they have brought in a wicketkeeper-batsman who can play for the next few years. You can build your team around him, and he can be the face of the franchise—that is Sanju Samson.” Samson, who previously played limited roles in the death overs during the 2025 season, scored 196 runs in 13 innings. His inclusion in the 2026 squad is seen as a strategic decision to ensure continuity and stability for the team. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni will be available for the entire 2026 campaign and is expected to participate in all matches. This statement reinforces the idea that Dhoni’s role, while possibly diminished, remains integral to the team’s success. The potential retirement of Dhoni has sparked discussions about the future of the franchise and the leadership transition within the team.#sanju_samson #chennai_super_kings #ms_dhoni #irfan_pathan #kasi_viswanathan
Punjab Kings aim to clinch their first TATA IPL title in 11 years after securing a spot in the final last season. Ahead of the upcoming tournament, JioHotstar's 'Game Plan - Know Your Team' segment featured insights from JioStar analysts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar, who evaluated the team's strengths, Shreyas Iyer's potential role in the Indian T20I squad, and the significance of Harpreet Brar's contributions. Irfan Pathan highlighted Shreyas Iyer's readiness to perform at the highest level, emphasizing his experience in both T20 cricket and international matches. "Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer who has excelled in T20 formats for Punjab Kings and for the Indian team," Pathan said. He recalled Iyer's standout performance against Mumbai in a qualifier, where the captain deftly handled a yorker from Bumrah. Pathan expressed confidence that Iyer could replicate such form this season, noting his ability to adapt and improve rapidly. The analyst also praised Punjab Kings' balanced team composition, stressing the importance of their top order and fast-bowling attack. "The top order is solid with Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, and Priyansh Arya," Pathan said. He highlighted the reliability of Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh in the middle order, while underscoring the need for Stoinis' finishing skills. Pathan also pointed to Mitch Owen as a key asset, describing him as a "powerhouse" whose performance could influence the team's success. The fast-bowling trio of Arshdeep, Marco Jansen, and Ferguson was deemed "totally sorted," with adequate backups to ensure consistency. Sanjay Bangar focused on the team's opening pair, noting Prabhsimran Singh's experience and consistency. "Prabhsimran has been a reliable performer for Punjab, including a century in the IPL," Bangar said.#irfan_pathan #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #sanjay_bangar #harpreet_brar
Punjab Kings Set for IPL 2026 with Confidence After Historic Final Run Punjab Kings are entering the 2026 Indian Premier League season with renewed optimism, aiming to break their 11-year drought and secure their first title. The franchise’s return to the final last year has sparked a sense of momentum, and experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar have analyzed the squad’s strengths and potential challenges ahead of the tournament. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting form are seen as critical to the team’s success. Pathan expressed confidence in the captain’s ability to maintain his high standards, citing Iyer’s consistent performances for both Punjab Kings and the Indian team. “Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer who has done exceptionally well in T20 cricket,” Pathan said. He highlighted Iyer’s ability to handle high-pressure situations, referencing a memorable innings against Mumbai where Iyer’s shot against Jasprit Bumrah showcased his composure. Pathan believes Iyer’s continued excellence will be key to Punjab’s title aspirations. The squad’s balance is another major strength. Pathan praised the depth of the batting lineup, noting the reliability of the top order featuring Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, and Priyansh Arya. He also emphasized the pace attack’s readiness, with players like Arshdeep, Marco Jansen, and Ferguson forming a formidable unit. “The fast bowlers are totally sorted, and they have good backups,” Pathan added. However, he acknowledged the need for consistency from Mitch Owen, who will be relied upon to deliver crucial performances. Sanjay Bangar focused on the opening pair, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, highlighting their potential and the pressure they face. While Singh has experience and a proven track record, Arya’s inexperience in high-stakes matches could be a concern.#irfan_pathan #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #sanjay_bangar #prabhsimran_singh
"Doesn't Have Many Wickets...": Ex-Cricketer Points Out India's Jasprit Bumrah Dependence Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has criticized the team’s overreliance on Jasprit Bumrah during the T20 World Cup semifinal against England, warning that the bowler’s performance will be critical to India’s success. Pathan highlighted concerns about the lack of consistent contributions from other bowlers, emphasizing that the team cannot afford a poor showing from Bumrah. Star spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming 12 scalps in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.66. However, Pathan noted that Chakravarthy has faced challenges as batters have adapted to his bowling by moving deep inside their crease, making it difficult for him to maintain his effectiveness. “Batters are standing deeper in the crease against Varun to play the cut and pull,” Pathan said. “When he tries to bowl full, they use their feet against him and hit straight.” Pathan urged Chakravarthy to focus on his natural length, arguing that forcing him to bowl short could undermine his performance. “Don’t ask him to bowl short,” he advised. “Let him bowl at his natural length. The key is to hit the top of the stumps from the first ball.” Axar Patel, another key bowler, has been praised for his economy but has struggled to take wickets. Pathan acknowledged Patel’s role in containing runs but pointed out the lack of impact in terms of dismissals. “Axar does his job but doesn’t have many wickets,” he said. The former cricketer also raised concerns about the team’s bowling strategy, noting that Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh have been targeted in the death overs. “If Bumrah has an off-day, India’s bowling will be under pressure,” Pathan warned.#t20_world_cup #jasprit_bumrah #varun_chakravarthy #axar_patel #irfan_pathan
Exclusive: Irfan Pathan predicts T20 World Cup final winner; calls Bumrah 'inhuman' India and New Zealand are set to face each other in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The match, scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST, will be watched by over 130,000 fans, making it the largest crowd for a cricket final in history. Ahead of the clash, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his insights on the pressure of the World Cup final, Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, Jasprit Bumrah’s impact, and New Zealand’s potential threat. Pathan emphasized the immense pressure of playing in a World Cup final, noting that the stakes are higher than in regular matches. “There is a lot of pressure. It’s so much pressure,” he said. “Winning the World Cup final is a big thing, a huge thing. There are so many things that can go wrong, and that is why not many teams have won the World Cup back-to-back.” He highlighted the unique challenges of T20 cricket, where even strong teams can be closely contested. “This format allows the other team to come very close to a strong side. That generally happens.” Pathan praised Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, calling it “outstanding” and underappreciated. “His record as a captain has been wonderful,” he said. “He has close to a 90 percent win rate when he has captained the side. That is not easy in T20 cricket.” He noted Yadav’s ability to remain calm under pressure and his efforts to engage players off the field, including involving those not in the playing XI. “He keeps the team active on social media and ensures everyone feels part of the squad,” Pathan added. Despite India’s strength, Pathan warned that New Zealand poses a significant threat.#new_zealand #jasprit_bumrah #sur_yakumar_yadav #narendra_modi_stadium #irfan_pathan
