Ashwin Archives

Former spinner looking forward to Abrar vs Indian batters

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his excitement over the prospect of Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed going up against India’s batting line-up in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 clash.

The two arch-rivals meet on September 14 in Dubai in what promises to be the most anticipated fixture of the tournament.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised Abrar’s skillset but cautioned that he will face a major test against India’s in-form batters.

“I am definitely looking forward to the contest between Abrar Ahmed and our Indian team,” he said.

“In modern-day cricket, it’s difficult to bowl as slowly as he does, but recently, Abrar produced a match-winning performance by picking up four wickets against the UAE. He bowls googlies, carrom balls, and other variations.

“Still, he must find a way to succeed against India.

“Another challenge is that Pakistani players don’t get the opportunity to play against Indians, as they are not part of the IPL. For Abrar, this will be a learning curve, but he has all the tools required.”

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Ravichandran Ashwin also highlighted Sahibzada Farhan’s fearless approach at the top of the order, likening him to India’s Abhishek Sharma.

“Pakistan has exceptional talent. One such player is Sahibzada Farhan, who plays in a style similar to Abhishek Sharma, attacking bowlers right from the start,” he noted.

“With Mike Hesson now in charge and Salman Ali Agha leading as captain, Pakistan is clearly trying to embrace a more explosive brand of cricket.”

He pointed out that the side’s new model leans heavily on aggressive batters such as Fakhar Zaman, Haris, and Saim Ayub.

“Personally, I believe Fakhar is the best batter in the Pakistan side. Then there’s Saim Ayub, who also contributes with the ball,” he added.

“But the team often collapses after strong starts, sometimes finding themselves 80 for 5 before scrambling to 140. To really challenge India, you need at least 180.”

Looking at the bigger picture, the veteran off-spinner was blunt about India’s prospects.

“The best-case scenario for any team is to bowl first and restrict India to a modest score. But honestly, I don’t think any side really stands a chance against India in this Asia Cup,” he concluded.

READ: India rewrite record books with crushing victory over UAE

Ashwin names THIS player to surpass Babar, Rizwan as Pakistan’s best batter

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped high praise on Pakistan vice-captain Salman Ali Agha ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted Salman Ali Agha and Tayyab Tahir as key players to watch in the tournament.

“I am very excited about two players: Tayyab Tahir and Agha Salman. Actually, Agha Salman should be mentioned first—what a player he is,” Ashwin remarked

“He has quality, he can handle pressure situations, and he has a presence at the crease that I haven’t seen in a Pakistani player for a long time.”

Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t hold back in his praise for Salman, even making a bold comparison statement that he can surpass even Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the future.

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“And I mean it—he has that presence. I just hope he doesn’t follow the path of some other players,” he added.

“If he continues playing like this, he could become a poster boy for Pakistan cricket. I genuinely believe Agha Salman has the ability to surpass even Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.”

The 38-year-old also spoke highly of Tayyab Tahir, calling him an “exceptional middle-order player” and emphasizing that Pakistan has found a solid option in that role after a long time.

“Tayyab Tahir is an exceptional middle-order player. Pakistan has found one after a long time,” he stated.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: ‘Our belief is same’ Babar Azam issues bold statement ahead of Champions Trophy

Ashwin cuts short Anderson’s stint as No.1 Test bowler

DUBAI: Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ended James Anderson’s brief stay at the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings only a week after he dethroned Pat Cummins to become the No.1 bowler in the longest format.

According to International Cricket Council’s players’ rankings update, Ashwin rose to the top of the Test bowlers chart and pushed Anderson to the second, credit to their recent performances in the two Tests – one held in Delhi and the other in Wellington.

Ashwin took six wickets during India’s emphatic victory over Australia in the second Test while Anderson bagged three wickets in the first innings and remained wicketless in the second during England’s stunning loss to New Zealand by one run in Wellington.

The 36-year-old Ashwin has claimed the top spot on several occasions since 2015 when he bagged the honour for the first time.

Similarly, the 40-year-old England quick held the title six times during his prolific career and it was only a week ago when he surged to 866 rating points to remove Australia’s Cummins from the top billing after four years.

“Although the veteran (Anderson) made an impact again in the remarkable second Test, taking three top-order wickets in the first innings, he is now five rating points behind Ashwin who remains on 864 points.” said the ICC statement.

Moreover, in the Test batting charts, England’s Joe Root displaced Pakistan’s all-format from the third position as he jumped two places.

Babar is now ranked fourth on the ICC Test batters’ list, nine rating points behind Root’s 871 while Australia duo, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith remain first and second respectively.

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