Who is Salil Arora? The SMAT centurion who can draw a huge bid in the IPL mini-auction
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Salil Arora, the wicket-keeper batsman from Punjab, recently sent waves through the internet with a 39-ball hundred in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The hundred has a special significance, as it has come just before the IPL mini-auction is to be held on the 16th of December.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's own domestic T20 hunt, has functioned as the biggest platform for state cricketers to come up and showcase their talent in the shortest format of the game. Based on their performances, they come under the sight of the scouts of many IPL franchises.
Moreover, in recent times, several interesting scouting choices have been spotted in the IPL. The inclusion of players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre was among the finest examples of good scouting.
Who is Salil Arora?
Punjab opener Salil Arora smashed a 39-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy knockout game against Jharkhand. The wicket-keeper batter came in the middle order and smashed a memorable innings.
The 23-year-old cricketer was specially targeting Sushant Mishra, who was hit for three sixes and a four in the final over of the innings. He propelled Punjab off to a mammoth 235 for 6, and he himself remained unbeaten on 125 off just 45 balls.
With 9 fours and 11 sixes, he batted with a 250+ strike rate. This might be the last game for the youngster in the SMAT season before the IPL mini-auction, and he has capitalized on the right moment.
🚨 23-YEAR-OLD SALIL ARORA SMASHED HUNDRED FROM JUST 39 BALLS IN SMAT 🚨
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 12, 2025
- Youngster.
- Bats in Middle Order.
- Wicket Keeper.
He is going to get a huge amount in the IPL Auction. 💰 pic.twitter.com/7TGshrXA2w
Punjab batter to intensify the IPL mini-auction bidding war
The Punjab batter has been slotted for the upcoming IPL mini-auction among uncapped players under the INR 30 lakh belt. With his latest antics, he can be a lucrative option for many of the franchises that are looking to settle in for an Indian wicket-keeper in the long run.
Reportedly, franchises like the Kolkata Knight Riders or even the Punjab Kings might be looking to have him on the side, as they are the teams in search of a wicket-keeper batter. Salil Arora is an Indian, a wicket-keeper and also a fine batter in the middle order, which makes him a must-pick by all means.
Kolkata Knight Riders are the most desperate in the quest for a wicket-keeper
The Kolkata Knight Riders are looking forward to rebuilding their squad and have released all their players. They have also parted ways with their wicket-keepers Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz and are now left with no wicket-keeper options.
Alongside openers, they also need batters who can strengthen their batting order, and Salil Arora is surely one such talent. Considering their purse, if KKR shows interest in the cricketer, then no team would have the opportunity to cross them for the uncapped rising star.
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