Srinagar, June 1 -- Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL triumph has sparked celebrations across the country. Kashmir had one more reason to celebrate. Rasikh Salam was part of the winning campaign, adding another chapter to a journey built through hard work, patience and belief.

His success has also reopened an old discussion closer to home. Many cricket followers in Jammu and Kashmir have asked why a player of his calibre could not find a place in the playing XI during the recent Ranji Trophy that ended a six-decade wait for a title.

The debate is not about revisiting team selection. Selection decisions belong to coaches and management. The larger point is about how talent is seen, valued and encouraged.

Rasikh's story speaks to a bigge...