Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded Pakistan's batting all-rounder Agha Salman ahead of the high voltage clash between the two neighbouring nations. Ashwin believes that Salman can be the next 'poster boy' for Pakistan cricket. Ashwin was not sure about Salman's age but feels he has more ability to surpass Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
“I am excited about two players. Tayyab Tahir and Salman Ali Agha. What a player Salman Agha is. He has quality and press handling ability. I am seeing a Pakistani player with on field presence for the first time in many years. I really hope he does not go like some of the other players did. He could become the poster boy for Pakistan cricket. I believe he has so much ability that he can surpass Babar Azam and Rizwan. I am not sure about his real age but I am a fan of his game. He has the skill to play all kinds of shots,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat lauding the 31-year-old.
Salman who made his ODI debut in 2022 has played 915 runs from 33 games at an average of 45.75 including one century and five fifties. Last week, he scored 134 in a record-breaking partnership with skipper Rizwan against South Africa in a must-win game.
Ashwin with Fakhar's return
Ashwin is happy to see Fakhar Zaman back in the squad. Zaman made his comeback to the squad after young Saim Ayub got injured on South Africa tour. Ashwin also touted Tayyab Tahir as the one to watch out for.
“I am glad Fakhar Zaman is back. As their team is setting up, it seems that Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will open and Saud Shakeel and Rizwan will play at three and four. And Tayyab Tahir will be the one to watch out in the middle-order. Their approach has been different than India to have more pacers in the team and let’s see what happens next,” added Ashwin.
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Ashwin backs Pakistan's speciallist spinner
Pakistan selectors have included only one speciallist spinner in the squad. Ashwin said that young Abrar Ahmed and left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi will be the key for co-hosts.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi. What can he do? Can Abrar Ahmed be the answer to what Pakistan has been looking to? All these things will contribute to where Pakistan will finish in the Champions Trophy,” said the 38-year-old.
Ashwin was part of India's playing XI in Champions Trophy 2017 final. He remained wicketless and conceded 70 runs from his quota of 10 overs. In the unsuccessful run chase, he departed for a single-digit score.