Is Rasikh Salam Joining Baroda from Jammu & Kashmir for the 2025/26 Domestic Season?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rasikh Salam transitions from Jammu & Kashmir to Baroda.
- Received NOC confirmed by Brigadier Anil Gupta.
- Performance stats: 13 wickets in first-class cricket.
- Influence of Krunal Pandya in the move.
- Baroda aims for a strong season with new talent.
New Delhi, July 9 (NationPress) Fast bowler Rasikh Salam is set to don the colors of Baroda in the forthcoming 2025/26 domestic cricket season following his transition from Jammu & Kashmir. Brigadier Anil Gupta, a Member of the Administration at the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), has confirmed that Rasikh has received the NOC.
“Indeed, we have issued the NOC. I cannot recall the exact date of issuance, but it was likely around five to six days ago. If he chooses to play elsewhere, it is of no concern to us. We've granted NOC to six players this time. Our talent pool is more than sufficient,” Gupta mentioned to IANS.
In his stint with Jammu & Kashmir, Rasikh has played five first-class matches, taking 13 wickets at an average of 25.23. Additionally, he claimed 13 wickets in 10 games at an average of 37.46 and secured 45 wickets in 36 T20 matches. Rasikh also made two appearances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their victorious IPL 2025 season.
Officials from the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) have confirmed Rasikh's signing for the upcoming domestic season. Reports indicate that Jitesh Sharma is also on the verge of joining Baroda, pending his NOC from the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA).
Another source informed IANS that Krunal Pandya, the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder and Baroda’s captain, played a crucial role in attracting both Rasikh and Jitesh to Baroda, especially after their successful collaboration with RCB during IPL 2025.
Krunal has also represented India in five ODIs and 19 T20Is. “It’s highly likely that Krunal facilitated Rasikh’s move to Baroda since they were teammates in RCB this season. He is determined to secure a trophy in the upcoming domestic season and is focused on assembling a strong team to achieve that goal,” added the source.