Former India spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praises on England's wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt as the "most valuable T20 batter in the world". Ashwin has been following Salt in the ongoing International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 where he plays for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
"Phil Salt played for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. We can say that he could be the most valuable T20 batter in the world. So, if we look at his performance considering that, he is not coming in with a very good form. He scored a 70 and it was a very struggling 70," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Salt scored an unbeaten 71 against Desert Vipers in their opening clash of the series followed by two single-digit scores. He was exceptional at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. KKR were not able to retain him in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. The wicketkeeper-batter was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 11 crore.
Salt's T20I numbers
However, Salt is yet to prove his worth against India. From two innings, he has scored just 13 runs including the T20 World Cup 2025 semifinal fixture. Overall, he has 1,106 runs from 38 T20Is at an average of 36.86 including three centuries and four fifties. He has a strike rate of 165.32.
Ashwin on young Bethell
Ashwin also lauded Salt's teammate in England and in the RCB, young Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old was picked for Rs 2.6 crore in the mega auction.
"His entry into international cricket till now in Test cricket and whatever white-ball cricket he has played, he has entertained to the core. This guy has so much ability that he can do anything. He would definitely be a player to watch out for," the 38-year-old said.
So far, Bethell has played only seven T20Is and scored 173 runs at an average of 57.66 including two half-centuries. His strike rate is impressive at 167.96.