Punjab keeper Salil Arora made headlines on Friday. The 23-year-old smashed a stunning 125 off just 45 balls, reaching the three-figure mark in 39 deliveries.
With several franchises eyeing a keeper batter in the IPL 2026 Auction, Salil could fetch big bucks in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Arora has been listed at a mere ₹30 lakh base price.
Arora walked into bat with Punjab 62/3 at the end of 8 overs. With the surface aiding the batters, the 23-year-old unleashed a flurry of boundaries to put Punjab on the accelerator. Despite losing wickets at the other end, Arora continued his brutal assault at the Dy Patil Academy in Pune.
Salil’s effort helped Punjab post a monumental 235/6 batting first. He eventually finished with 125 off just 45 balls. In the final over of the innings, Arora hit Sushant Mishra for 3 sixes and a boundary. Overall, the wicketkeeper hit 9 boundaries and 11 sixes in his 45-ball stay, almost sending every other ball to the fence.
Which teams could target Salil Arora in the IPL Auction?
Salil Arora will enter the IPL 2026 Auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. The 23-year-old is a middle order batter who keeps wickets, which is a rare find in Indian cricket. Arora could be pursued a by host of franchises with the idea of unleashing his potential on the big stage.
Kolkata Knight Riders, who enter the auction with the biggest purse, are in the look out for a keeper. Arora could seamlessly slot into their playing XI should they sign him. State team Punjab Kings also released Josh Inglis, so Arora could also be their target. PBKS have worked hard to promote homegrown talent so they will have their eyes on Arora as will the Mumbai Indians.