Punjab wicketkeeper batsman Salil Arora recently took the internet by storm by scoring a century in 39 balls in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This century has special significance, as it comes just before the IPL mini-auction to be held on December 16.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s own domestic T20 trophy, is serving as the biggest platform for cricketers from the state to showcase and showcase their talent in the shortest format of the game. Based on his performance, he catches the eye of many IPL franchises.
Additionally, in recent times, the IPL has seen a number of interesting scouting options. The inclusion of players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre was one of the finest examples of good scouting.
Who is Salil Arora?
Punjab opener Salil Arora scored a century in 39 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy knockout match against Jharkhand. The wicketkeeper batsman came in the middle order and played a memorable inning.
The 23-year-old cricketer was particularly targeting Sushant Mishra, who was hit for three sixes and a four in the final over of the innings. He took Punjab to a huge score of 235 runs for 6 wickets and himself remained unbeaten after scoring 125 runs in 45 balls.
He batted at 250+ strike rate with the help of 9 fours and 11 sixes. This could be the youngster’s last game in the SMAT season before the IPL mini-auction, and he has taken advantage of the right time.
23 year old Salil Arora scored a century in just 39 balls
– Young man.
– Bats in the middle order.
– wicket keeper.He is going to get a big amount in the IPL auction. pic.twitter.com/7TGshrXA2w
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 12 December 2025
Punjab set to intensify IPL mini-auction bidding war
The Punjab batsman has been named among the uncapped players for the upcoming IPL mini-auction under Rs 30 lakh. With his latest antics, he could be an attractive option for many franchises looking to settle for an Indian wicketkeeper in the long run.
Reportedly, franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders or even Punjab Kings would be looking to include him in their squad, as they are teams looking for a wicketkeeper batsman. Salil Arora is an Indian, a wicketkeeper and also a good batsman in the middle order, which makes him a must-pick.
Kolkata Knight Riders are most desperate in search of wicketkeeper.
Kolkata Knight Riders are keen to rebuild their team and have released all their players. He has also broken ties with his wicketkeepers Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz and now he has no wicketkeeper option left.
Along with the opening batsmen, they also need batsmen who can strengthen their batting order and Salil Arora is definitely one such talent. Keeping their purse in mind, if KKR shows interest in the cricketer, no team will have a chance to surpass them for the uncapped rising star.
Also read: Bangladesh demand rematch with India in Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 as Rizaan Hossan vows to break Vaibhav Suryavanshi
