Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif questioned the selectors for Rasikh Salam Dar’s snub for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. Dar had impressed one and all with his performances in IPL 2026 and played a key role in taking RCB to glory.
The fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir scalped 19 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 21.31 and an economy rate of 9.45. But, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel picked Yash Thakur in the Indian squad despite the fast bowler playing a solitary match for Punjab Kings, in which he bagged two wickets.
However, Thakur scalped 18 wickets in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Furthermore, the selectors backed Mayank Yadav, who went wicketless in four matches he played for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “Rasikh Dar Salam took 19 wickets in the IPL. 19 wickets, and yet his name isn’t being discussed anywhere. On the other hand, Yash Thakur played just one IPL match and made it into the squad. Mayank Yadav hasn’t done much either. He played and ended up getting hit. You need to pick bowlers who have a winning mindset.
“That’s the most important thing, a winning mentality. Rasikh Dar Salam has been part of two IPL title-winning teams, and he played his role in those successes. He picked up 19 wickets and is a highly skillful bowler. Like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he may not look like an express fast bowler because of his build, but that’s not what matters,” he added.
Kaif highlighted that Rasikh has all the variations under his belt and he can bowl at both ends of an innings.
Kaif said, “If you bring in Rasikh Dar Salam, he’ll also deliver. He can bowl effectively in the powerplay and at the death. He has a back-of-the-hand slower ball, bowls cross-seam deliveries, can swing the ball, and is a very intelligent bowler. Yet his name isn’t being mentioned anywhere. I’m genuinely surprised. Here’s a player who has been part of RCB’s title-winning team twice.
“He has a winning attitude, a winning mindset, and has spent time in a dressing room full of winners. You can imagine how much confidence that would have given him. I’m really surprised that he still hasn’t been given an opportunity. I honestly don’t understand how these selections are being made,” he added.
India will play three T20Is against Zimbabwe, starting July 23.
