Harsha Bhogle lauds Agha Salman's all-round skills

01 January, 2025

During a discussion on his YouTube channel, Bhogle highlighted Salman’s potential as a player who can significantly contribute to Pakistan’s cricketing future.

"I know Pakistan likes Saud Shakeel, but when I saw another young player at the end of last year here in Australia, I just thought, 'He can bowl and he can definitely bat—more of a batter than a bowler—but he is some player,'" said Bhogle.

"I am very happy that it has started to get reflected in the numbers, and it is Salman Ali Agha. I hope we see more of him," he added.

The 31-year-old cricketer’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.

The year 2024 marked a breakthrough for the all-rounder as he consistently excelled with both bat and ball.

Following Babar Azam's resignation, Mohammad Rizwan was named Pakistan's white-ball captain, while Salman Ali Agha appointed as vice-captain.

Agha’s leadership potential was further showcased when he captained the team in a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Under his captaincy, Pakistan clinched the series 2-1.

His all-round capabilities made him a valuable asset for Pakistan. In nine ODI matches last year, he scored 209 runs and claimed 11 wickets.

His performance in the Test format was equally commendable.

He scored 454 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 41.47, including four half-centuries and a century.

In the first ODI against South Africa on December 17, 2024, the 31-year-old shone with an unbeaten 82* off 90 balls and took four wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.

In the ODI series against the Proteas, Salman emerged as the third-highest run-scorer, amassing 163 runs at an outstanding average of 81.50.