As Pakistan gears up for the 2025 Champions Trophy, Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has singled out Agha Salman as a rising star, predicting that he could surpass even the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the years to come.
Known for his sharp cricketing insights, Ashwin praised the middle-order batter’s ability to handle pressure and command the crease with confidence.
“Agha Salman has the quality to handle pressure situations. After a long time, I’m seeing a Pakistani player at the crease with real presence,” Ashwin remarked. He further expressed his hope that Salman would carve his own path rather than follow in the footsteps of others. “I really hope he doesn’t go down the route of some other players. He can even surpass Rizwan and Babar,” he added.
Ashwin’s rare endorsement of a Pakistani player underscores Salman’s growing stature in international cricket. Despite a steady yet unspectacular start to his career, the 31-year-old has evolved into a key asset for Pakistan’s ODI and Test teams.
He has consistently stepped up in crucial moments, guiding his side through challenging situations with a composed batting approach. His ability to shift gears when needed has made him a reliable presence in the middle order, while his off-spin bowling offers Pakistan added flexibility in team selection.
If his recent performances against South Africa are anything to go by, Salman is on the right track to becoming a mainstay in the national side. Now serving as the ODI team’s vice-captain, he has shown he can take on responsibility and deliver under pressure.
With Ashwin’s backing adding to the growing recognition of his talent, the upcoming Champions Trophy will be a defining stage for Agha Salman. As he looks to cement his place as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he lives up to the high expectations set by one of India’s greatest cricketers.
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Photo Credit: Instagram Photos of @salmanagha247, @rashwin99
