Salil Arora is an uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter from Punjab who earned his maiden IPL contract after being sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 1.50 crore at the Tata IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. Entering the auction at a base price of Rs 30 lakh, Arora attracted interest from Mumbai Indians before SRH won the brief bidding contest to secure him.
A late-blooming power-hitter
Born on November 7, 2002, the 23-year-old has quickly built a reputation for explosive middle-order batting, particularly in T20 cricket. Known for his ability to clear the ropes with ease, Arora’s rise has been driven by a handful of eye-catching performances that put him firmly on the IPL radar.
The innings that changed everything
Salil Arora shot to national attention during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, when he produced one of the most destructive knocks of the domestic season:
- 125 off 45 balls*
- 11 sixes and 9 fours
- Playing for Punjab against Jharkhand
The innings showcased his raw power, clean striking, and confidence against pace and spin alike—qualities franchises look for in a modern T20 finisher.
Strong red-ball credentials too
While his T20 exploits grabbed headlines, Arora has also shown promise in the longer format. He made an immediate impact in first-class cricket by scoring a century on debut (101) for Punjab against Madhya Pradesh in October 2024, underlining his technique and temperament.
Domestic career snapshot
So far, Arora’s domestic numbers reflect a player still early in his career but with clear upside:
First-class cricket
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 458
- Average: 41.63
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 3
T20s
- Matches: 6
- Runs: 142
- Highest impact innings: 125* (SMAT 2025)
Why Sunrisers Hyderabad invested in him
SRH’s decision to raise the bid to Rs 1.5 crore reflects their intent to strengthen Indian middle-order depth:
- Explosive six-hitting ability
- Wicketkeeping option
- Proven match-winning knock at domestic level
- High ceiling at a relatively low investment
For SRH, Arora represents a developmental pick—a player who can be groomed into a future finisher rather than an immediate starter.
What’s next for Salil Arora?
IPL 2026 will be Salil Arora’s first exposure to the league’s elite environment. While opportunities in the playing XI may be limited initially, training alongside international stars and under experienced coaches could accelerate his growth.
At Rs 1.5 crore, SRH have backed potential over pedigree—and Salil Arora now has the platform to turn a breakout domestic moment into a sustained IPL career.
