Mohammad Saleem

Mohammad Saleem Safi is an exceptionally gifted right-arm fast bowler who infuses Afghanistan's multi-day bowling blueprint with explosive pace and a relentless 'hit-the-deck' approach. Born in Baghlan, the 23-year-old speedster has been earmarked as a generational bowling talent ever since his first-class debut in early 2019, where his ability to cross the 140 km/h threshold consistently caught the attention of national selectors. Saleem operates primarily as an aggressive strike bowler, using his strong shoulders and natural high-arm action to generate sharp bounce and subtle lateral movement even on the most placid subcontinental wickets. Having already experienced the pressure of the longest format during his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo, his steady integration into the squad underlines the team management's commitment to building a genuinely hostile fast-bowling unit capable of holding its own on the world stage.

His inclusion in the Test squad for high-stakes assignments, such as the marquee multi-format tour against India, highlights his tactical importance as a raw pace enforcer. Saleem offers a critical point of difference to Afghanistan's spin-dominant strategy, providing the captain with an ideal weapon to exploit the new red ball, break stubborn partnerships in the middle overs, and shake up top-order batsmen with short-pitched deliveries. His recent domestic performances for the Amo Region, including an impressive three-wicket haul against Boost Region, underscore his rhythm and physical readiness for five-day cricket's heavy workloads. While his lower-order batting remains a work in progress, his primary mandate is clear: to maintain sustained velocity, build relentless pressure across extended spells, and give Afghanistan a potent, fast-bowling edge that can thrive under any overseas conditions.