From BCCI Ban To RCB Match-Winner In IPL 2026: Rasikh Salam’s Incredible Comebac
The Rise, The Fall, and The Redemption
Rasikh Salam has emerged as one of the most compelling stories for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2026 Indian Premier League. His performances on the field have been nothing short of spectacular, turning him into a fan favorite and a reliable asset for his team. Yet, behind the scenes of his current success lies a challenging chapter in his early career that threatened to derail his professional aspirations before they truly began.
Despite the significant obstacles he faced, Salam’s unwavering determination and raw skill have transformed him into a bonafide match-winner this season. His story is a poignant testament to the power of resilience, proving that when talent is met with persistence, even the most daunting setbacks can be overcome. We take a closer look at the path he walked to reach the pinnacle of T20 cricket.
When the BCCI Imposed a Two-Year Ban
The trajectory of Rasikh Salam’s career hit a major roadblock in 2019. Just as the young fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir was beginning to make a name for himself, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a two-year ban. The suspension was triggered by discrepancies discovered in his birth certificate during the verification process, a discovery that halted his momentum just as he was breaking into the professional ranks.
At the time, Salam was riding a wave of success. He had been scouted and picked up by the Mumbai Indians for the 2019 IPL season and was a key member of the India U19 setup. He was widely regarded as one of the most exciting pace prospects in the country. However, the suspension forced his immediate withdrawal from the India U19 squad—which was preparing for a tour of England—and effectively put his budding career on ice.
Navigating the Wilderness
For a young player who had only featured in a handful of domestic matches and a solitary IPL game, the two-year absence felt like an eternity. During that difficult phase, Salam admitted that he feared his professional cricket journey might have ended prematurely. However, rather than walking away, he stayed deeply involved in the domestic circuit, training with discipline and staying ready for his second chance.
Crucially, the Mumbai Indians organization provided support during his period of suspension, helping him stay connected to the sport when the future looked bleak. This backing proved vital, allowing him to maintain his physical conditioning and mental toughness. He began his long road to redemption during the 2021-22 domestic season, gradually proving his worth again, which eventually led to stints with the Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals. His career trajectory finally reached a major turning point when RCB signed him for 6 crore INR in 2025—a decision they reaffirmed by retaining him as a core uncapped player for the 2026 campaign.
A Defining Season with RCB
Rasikh Salam’s 2026 IPL campaign stands as the ultimate result of years of hard work. Although he missed the first four matches of the tournament, he quickly cemented his spot as a vital third pacer, operating effectively alongside heavyweights like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. His ability to hit the deck hard and break crucial partnerships became the hallmark of his bowling style.
By the end of the season, Salam had tallied 19 wickets at an impressive average of 21.31 and an economy rate of 9.45. His most defining contribution arrived in the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. In a high-stakes environment, he delivered a clinical spell of 3/27, effectively stifling the opposition’s momentum and helping RCB secure a dominant position. From a young athlete sidelined by a administrative ban to a decisive performer in an IPL final, Rasikh Salam’s journey is a masterclass in professional redemption and sportsmanship.
