New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) speedster Rasikh Salam Dar expressed his unwavering ambition to don the Indian jersey across all formats, stating his readiness to represent the nation in any capacity. In IPL 2026, Rasikh has achieved a remarkable feat, claiming five wickets across three matches, with a standout performance of 4-24 that secured a crucial win for his team.

“I never envisioned my cricketing journey revolving around the IPL or the Indian team. I was uncertain about the path ahead. However, my current aspiration is to play for India in every format,” Rasikh shared in a statement released by the franchise on Monday.

His determination shone through during his debut match of the season at the Wankhede Stadium, where he recorded figures of 1-23 against the Mumbai Indians despite facing cramps.

“When I began to bowl, I experienced cramps, something I had never felt before. I was cramping after nearly every delivery, struggling to maintain my balance. My sole focus was on finishing the over, believing it would benefit the team,” he noted.

Rasikh's perseverance earned him accolades from RCB's assistant coach Omkar Salvi. “He possesses a strong character. Growing up in the hills of Jammu and Kashmir, enduring a challenging lifestyle and long travels to play cricket, you can clearly see his growth as a player.”

“The first thing that stood out was his competitive spirit. Alongside that, he approached the game with creativity. Not only does he swing the ball both ways, but he also has a slower delivery and a unique perspective on T20 cricket,” Salvi added.

Rasikh reflected on the early skepticism regarding his career, which was countered by his mother’s unwavering belief in him. “When I embarked on my professional cricketing journey, my family and community doubted the viability of cricket as a career since very few from our area pursued it. Yet, my mother always had faith in my potential, often proclaiming that her son would become a cricketer.”

His journey was marked by extensive travel for trials, mentorship from Irfan Pathan, and a series of injuries after being drafted by the Kolkata Knight Riders, leading to a two-year hiatus from the sport.

“During my first Under-19 trials, I was unfamiliar with the selection process and was not chosen. The following year, I returned to find Irfan Pathan present.”

“After observing my bowling, he paused to offer guidance. That moment made me feel that perhaps he recognized my potential. However, I suffered a back injury after two matches and faced another setback during recovery. It was then that I realized the importance of patience and following the process, no matter how long it took,” he explained.

RCB displayed confidence in him during the mega auction, acquiring his services for INR 6 crore. Although he had limited appearances in the title-winning season of 2025, Rasikh is valuing the opportunity to learn from seasoned RCB bowlers. “Training with players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, I would ask numerous questions about his decision-making during matches. My goal was to absorb as much knowledge as possible.”

Salvi noted Rasikh's commitment behind the scenes. “He has consistently put in the effort for his own development. He actively sought to learn from every game he observed while sidelined. Additionally, he had his insights, which we would discuss post-game during practice. With Rasikh, he has the remarkable ability to move the ball in multiple directions,” he concluded.