Rasikh Dar

Position: Bowler

Rasikh Salam Dar, who was born in Ashmuji village, Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 5, 2000, epitomizes the perseverance and brilliance coming out of the Valley. He is a right-arm fast bowler who has swiftly ascended from local grounds to the bright lights of domestic cricket and the IPL thanks to his swing and yorkers.

Family and Early Life

Rasikh comes from a modest family; his mother, Saleem (also known as Shameema), was a homemaker, and his father, Abdul Salam Dar, was a schoolteacher. Even though there was little cricket infrastructure in the area, he developed his talents early on by practicing nonstop in village contests. Young Rasikh was greatly aided by his older brother, Irfan Salam Dar, and cousin, Nadeem Ahmed (or Dar), who supported him following failures such as being removed from trials in 2017. Although there is no publicly available information on her, he is also known to have a sister.

Rise in Domestic and IPL Cricket

Rasikh gained national notice after dominating domestic competitions, making his List A debut in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy and his first-class debut in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy. At 17 years and 353 days, he made his Mumbai Indians debut in 2019, making him one of the youngest players to do so. He survived a two-year suspension for a birth certificate dispute to join with the Delhi Capitals (2024) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2022).

IPL 2025: A Historic Bid and Key Role

Rasikh was purchased by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 6 crore at the 2025 IPL mega-auction, the most money ever paid for a cricket player from Kashmir. He became the season's most costly uncapped player as a result. His remarkable ascent was the result of outstanding performances, such as his death-over prowess with the Delhi Capitals and his nine wickets in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

Rasikh was given the crucial position of death-over specialist this season at RCB. The squad has trusted Rasikh to contain runs and take vital wickets by brewing yorkers and variations at the end. His capacity to swing the ball, perform well under duress, and step up to big-match situations has been recognized by teammates and commentators.

Rasikh continues to be a reliable cornerstone for Jammu & Kashmir in domestic cricket. His efforts have enabled the squad to place second in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

No information regarding Rasikh's marital status or children is available to the public. As a result, no information regarding his wife, son, or daughter is now available.

Impact and Spirit

More than just a personal triumph, Rasikh Dar's rise signifies Kashmir's comeback in cricket. He adores the opportunity to share the RCB dressing room with Virat Kohli, whom he looks up to, in hopes of receiving leadership and mentality guidance. His family, particularly his father, has always struck a balance between his love of cricket and his academic background, demonstrating a disciplined and loving home atmosphere.

Rasikh stays connected to his roots by organizing coaching camps and being involved in the community, with the goal of encouraging young cricket players in J&K. He is often reported as saying, "Tough times don't last, but tough people do," in an attempt to give young fans hope.

The Road Ahead

Rasikh is only 24 years old, thus his trajectory is steep. His immediate goal is to win the IPL 2025 and help RCB win the championship. He hopes to play for India in both red ball and white ball formats in the future. His unwavering work ethic—shadow practice following setbacks—indicates a fortitude cultivated in the harsh realities of the Valley.

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