IPL 2026 | Making of Salil Arora: Tennis-ball grind behind 'Bumrah no-look six' and power-hitting blueprint
Salil Arora’s fearless no-look six off Bumrah was no fluke but the result of relentless preparation. From facing 600–700 tennis-ball deliveries daily to simulating high pace in training, his power-hitting was built with precision. Backed by strong domestic performances and belief from teammates, the youngster’s calculated approach and fearless mindset are now translating into impactful moments on the IPL stage.
NEW DELHI: A young batter taking on Jasprit Bumrah for the first time would usually show signs of nerves, tension, or even a bit of fear. But 23-year-old Salil Arora showed none of that during the IPL 2026 fixture between SRH and MI. What stood out instead was his fearless approach, headlined by a stunning no-look six straight over Bumrah’s head.
The shot caught everyone’s attention, including his partner at the non-striker’s end, Heinrich Klaasen. After the match, Klaasen revealed during the post-match chat to the broadcasters, “He asked me if he could hit it (when 11 were needed off 12) and I said yes - finish the game. ” Salil stayed unbeaten on 30 off just 10 balls, smashing three sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 300.
And it wasn’t just Bumrah he took on. He also attacked Hardik Pandya, hitting him for two sixes. One of them stood out - a sharp, short-arm pull.
Picking the length early, Salil swivelled into position and sent the ball soaring over mid-wicket, leaving Pandya surprised. The 750-ball practice every day Behind this fearless knock lies serious preparation. For nearly one-and-a-half years, Salil has trained intensely - facing around 250 deliveries per session, three times a day, often with a Cosco ball.
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