Who Is Salil Arora? Punjab Keeper Makes Headlines With 39-Ball Century in SMAT Before IPL 2026 Auction

On Friday, Punjab batsman Salil Arora played a brilliant innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy knockout match against Jharkhand at the D.Y. Patil Academy in Pune. Arora scored a blistering century in just 39 balls. In the final over, he attacked bowler Sushant Mishra, hitting the left-arm pacer for three powerful sixes and a four. This took Punjab’s score to 235 for 6. Arora remained unbeaten on 125 runs off 45 balls. His innings included nine fours and eleven sixes, which gave the audience a lot of joy.

Salil Arora’s name is also on the list of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auctions. He has been listed in the wicketkeeper category with a base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Wicketkeeper Arora in Demand as KKR, PBKS And MI Show Interest

Kolkata Knight Riders are coming into the auction with the highest money and are on the lookout for a wicketkeeper. If they buy Arora, he will fit well into their playing XI. His home team, Punjab Kings, have also released Josh Inglis, so Arora could also be on their list. PBKS always back local players, so they are keeping a close eye on Arora. Mumbai Indians have also shown interest in him.

Salil Arora’s 45-Ball 125 Stuns Jharkhand in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group ‘A’ Super League match against Jharkhand, Punjab wicketkeeper-batsman Salil Arora has become the centre of attention by playing an extraordinary innings. The match was held at the DY Patil Academy in Ambi, Pune. He played a brilliant innings of 125 runs in 45 balls. He completed his century in just 39 balls. Which is one of the fastest T20 centuries against an Indian player. With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching, this explosive innings has significantly increased his value and brought him to the attention of many IPL teams.

Due to Arora’s brilliant 125 runs, Punjab made a huge score of 235/6 batting first. Chasing the target, Jharkhand lost Virat Singh in the third over. After that, captain Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagre shared a 60-run partnership for the second wicket.

Unstoppable Arora Hits 125 and Puts Punjab in Command

Arora remained unbeaten on 125 off 45 balls, which included nine fours and eleven sixes. He played fearlessly and hit the ball with ease to all parts of the field. The right-handed batsman hit powerful sixes on both sides of the wicket. He attacked both fast bowlers and spinners with ease and showcased all types of T20 shots.

This unbeaten 125 is Punjab’s third highest score in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, surpassed only by Abhishek Sharma’s 148 and Shubman Gill’s 126. With the 2026 IPL auction fast approaching, this innings comes at the right time as teams are looking for a strong Indian uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman. Arora’s powerful batting has given Punjab a strong start in the Super League stage and has boosted their hopes of reaching the final.

You might also like: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Creates History: Breaks World Record by Scoring 171 Runs in Under-19 Asia Cup Match Against UAE

Conclusion

Arora’s unbeaten innings of 125 runs was a special one, showcasing his power, confidence and intelligent batting. He controlled the match from start to finish and helped Punjab take a strong lead in the Super League round. This innings proves that Arora can handle pressure and play big shots when the team needs it the most. As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, this performance has made him a player to watch. Punjab are now moving forward with high confidence and a clear hope of reaching the final.

Young players like Salil Arora are the players of the future who will represent the Indian cricket team in the coming days. When you see such players, you will feel that the future of the Indian cricket team is in safe hands. Wicketkeeper-batsmen always play an important role in the team. A cricket team knows the importance of a wicketkeeper in the game. A wicketkeeper has the ability to change the game in difficult situations. India needs a wicketkeeper batsman like Salil Arora. You will see him playing for India in the future.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is Salil Arora?

Salil Arora is in the wicketkeeper category in the IPL auction list with a base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Punjab player, Salil Arora played a brilliant innings by scoring 100 runs in just 39 balls in the knockout match of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He scored this remarkable century against Jharkhand at the D.Y. Patil Academy in Pune on Friday.

Q2. Why is Salil Arora Known?

He is known for his batting and wicketkeeping skills. He is especially famous for his century against Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Q3. Which role does Salil Arora play in cricket?

Salil Arora plays as a batsman and his impressive batting contributes to that.

Q4. Is Salil Arora part of any domestic cricket team?

Yes, Salil Arora has played in Indian domestic cricket. He plays for the Punjab cricket team.

Q5. Is Salil Arora play for India in the future?

Yes, Salil Arora has the potential to play for India.