Salil Arora targets SMAT, IPL success for India dream

Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Salil Arora is targeting strong performances in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and IPL as he pursues his dream of playing for India. The 23-year-old impressed in domestic cricket and IPL 2026

New Delhi: Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Salil Arora is looking ahead to the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Indian Premier League as he seeks to fulfil his “dream” of playing for India in the future.

The 23-year-old, who is currently playing for Ludhiana Lions in the ongoing Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, had a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in 2025-26 and also impressed with his exploits in IPL 2026.

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Arora was Punjab’s leading run-scorer in the SMAT 2025-26, scoring 358 runs in eight innings, including a blistering unbeaten 125 off 45 balls against Jharkhand.

His SMAT exploits helped him earn an IPL contract with SRH ahead of the 2026 season, and he impressed in his limited time at the crease, particularly in the death overs. A notable knock of 30 off just 10 balls was one of his major highlights of the season.

Speaking to IANS, Arora said his dream remains to play for India. He is now eyeing another strong SMAT campaign and a successful IPL season, while not looking to put pressure on himself because of his previous performances.

“Yes, I see the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as a strong opportunity. I want to perform there and then go to the IPL. And then I want to perform in the IPL and play for the Indian team. This is my dream and my goal,” he told IANS.

Arora, the wicketkeeper-batter, is currently part of the leadership group of Ludhiana in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League and has led the side in the absence of Arshdeep Singh. He has played a few fiery knocks, including a 38-ball 78 against Fazilka Falcons, and has also batted higher up the order at No. 3 in the tournament.

The young batter said his outings in the state franchise league have helped him, while also explaining the change in his batting position in the league.

“I am getting a lot of confidence (from these knocks). So, I will try to carry this momentum forward in the next match. We want to win the next match and play the semifinals.

“I felt the need to bat higher up the order, as per the requirements of the team. So, as I changed the batting order, the result was also positive. So, I thought I should play up,” he said, highlighting his unbeaten 78 off 38 deliveries.