New Delhi: Former Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin lauded England’s wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, calling him the “most valuable T20 batter in the world.” Ashwin has been observing Salt’s performance in the current International League T20 (ILT20) 2025, where Salt represents the 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 made a solid start in the series with an unbeaten 71 against the Desert Vipers, but he followed it up with two low scores. He performed remarkably well as an opener for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). However, KKR was unable to keep him during the mega auction for IPL 2025. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) acquired the wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 11 crore.
Salt has not yet demonstrated his capabilities in matches against India. In two innings, he has managed to accumulate only 13 runs, which includes his performance in the T20 World Cup 2025 semifinal. Across his 38 T20 International appearances, he has a total of 1,106 runs at an average of 36.86, featuring three centuries and four half-centuries, along with a strike rate of 165.32.
Ashwin praised Salt’s colleague from England and the RCB, the young player Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old was acquired for Rs 2.6 crore during 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.
To date, Bethell has participated in seven T20 International matches, accumulating 173 runs with an average of 57.66, which includes two half-centuries. He boasts a noteworthy strike rate of 167.96.
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