‘Hard-work, Pathan helps him to make IPL cut’
Rajesh Dhar
SRINAGAR, Dec 19: A new cricket prodigy Rasikh Salam Dar, hailing from a small village in District Kulgam is making headlines for being picked in the Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians for the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The 17-year old pace sensation, Rasikh’s art of wobbling rather swinging the ball both the ways, coupled with extraordinary performances against formidable sides at the higher levels has earned him a place in Mumbai Indians IPL team. The young seamer was called for trials by the Mumbai Indians soon after the conclusion of Vijay Hazare trophy, where he showed the glimpses of his distinctive bowling skills, especially against strong Tamil Nadu team, possessing a galaxy of Test cricketers. He also bowled fantastically against Goa in the Cooch Behar Under-19 Boys Cricket Tournament, scalping 6 important wickets in the first innings to help Jammu and Kashmir emerge victorious.
In an exclusive chat with Excelsior News, Rasikh’s mother, brother and other relatives talked about his passion, determination and zest which helped him to make it to the IPL team.
His mother said that Rasikh was simply ‘married to cricket’ from the word go rather from his tender age.
She said that she herself used to throw balls to her son for practice purposes, when he failed to get partners, adding that she always believed that her son will make it big one-day.
“Rasikh’s selection in the IPL has brought ecstatic rather blissful feeling to all of his well wishers. His selection has made us to feel on top of the world,” added his mother.
She further said that on seeing cricket passion and dedication of his son she always prayed for his success, adding that she would be happier if Rasikh earns name and fame at the highest level.
She said that Rasikh possesses all that is required to blossom at the bigger levels as for as devotion, dedication, determination and not to talk of renunciation is concerned.
While expressing his views, Rasikh’s brother and cousin said that apart from his sheer-dint of hard work, it has been his well wishers including Nadeem Javed Dar, Muzamil and likes, who have left no stone unturned in providing all kind of support and assistance to make him flourish.
His brother said that they have no words to express their happiness, adding that they hope that he plays more and more matches to showcase his skill and talent, rather than being in the benches.
Replying to a question as to who explored Rasikh’s talent, his brother said that it was former Test Cricketer Irfan Pathan, who presently represents Jammu and Kashmir in Ranji Trophy as Player cum Mentor.
He said Rasikh has broken walls and glasses of many houses with the willow and the ball.
His brother hoped that the Franchisee makes him to play more matches rather than keeping in the dug outs.
He said that Virat Kohli has been his favourite cricketer, while Bumbrah and Shoaib Akhter as his favourite bowlers.
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