ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ravichandran Ashwin kicks aside Babar Azam, names Pakistan’s new king

Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showered rich praise on Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, predicting a bright future for the rising star. As Pakistan gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted Salman Ali Agha’s ability to handle pressure and presence on the crease with confidence.

Ashwin believes that Salman has what it takes to outshine some of Pakistan’s biggest names, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, in the coming years. He pointed out that Salman’s solid technique, temperament, and calm approach make him a crucial asset on the Pakistan cricket team.

Ravichandran Ashwin hails Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s future star ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The former Indian off-spinner also backed the 31-year-old all-rounder to rise as one of Pakistan’s most reliable match-winners. Ashwin also backed the all-rounder to become Pakistan’s poster boy in the future.

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Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel during an interview with the journalists, “I am very excited about two players: Tayyab Tahir and Agha Salman. Actually, Agha Salman should be mentioned first—what a player he is. Salman is a great player.

He has quality, he has the ability to handle the pressure situation and he has a presence. After a long time, I am seeing a Pakistani player with such presence in the crease. I mean, that way, Salman Ali Agha has got the presence.”

Salman Ali Agha can go ahead of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam: Ravichandran Ashwin

The spin maestro suggested Salman carve out his own path. Ravichandran Ashwin added, “I really hope he doesn't go some of the other players' route. He could become the poster boy for Pakistan. I think Salman Ali Agha has got so much ability that he can go ahead of Rizwan and Babar Azam.”

Ashwin added, “I like him. He is a great player. He has got a lot of gears. He has got the skill to play shots in every situation. Mohammad Rizwan will be a crucial player." At the end, Ashwin said that Salman and Tayyab Tahir are the key players to watch in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Praising Tayyab Tahir, who has so far played only 14 international matches for Pakistan and scored 252 runs across the ODI and Test cricket, the former Indian all-rounder said, “Tayyab Tahir is an exceptional middle-order player. Pakistan has found one after a long time.”

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Salman's numbers prove he can be Pakistan’s next X-factor

Notably, Salman has mastered the art of building his innings and accelerating when needed. His useful off-spin bowling also gives Pakistan the advantage of including an extra batter in the playing XI. However, he is yet to cement his position in the T20I team.

The right-handed batter has so far played 21 Tests and 33 ODIs while he has been given only 6 chances in the T20I cricket, where he has amassed 1317, 915, and 50 runs respectively. The off-spinner also has 19 Test wickets, 16 ODI wickets, and 2 wickets in T20I cricket.

However, Salman’s List A numbers are more impressive, scoring 3117 runs and taking 89 wickets in 110 games so far. Now, he would be eager to make the most of the home conditions to show the world what he can do on the grandest stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.