Ashwin Endorses Buttler-Salt As England’s Ideal Opening Pair For T20 World Cup

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the opening combination of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt for England in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, saying he would like to see the duo start the innings together following England’s dominant 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in their recent home T20I series.

Sharing his views on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised England’s aggressive approach at the top of the order and highlighted how effectively they have been able to take control of the powerplay with the bat. He pointed out that England have experimented with their opening combinations in recent matches, at times opting to open with Ben Duckett alongside Phil Salt instead of regular skipper Jos Buttler.

“England are coming into the T20 World Cup after whitewashing Sri Lanka 3-0 in the three-match T20I series at their home. England dominate the powerplay with the bat. The opening combination of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler needs some discussion because, at times, they have tried Duckett with Salt,” Ashwin said.

Despite the experimentation, Ashwin made a strong case for Buttler and Salt to open together during the World Cup. Addressing concerns over Salt’s fitness, he added, “I think Phil Salt has had a minor injury recently, but I believe he will play during the T20 World Cup.”

Ashwin further stressed that the blend of Buttler’s experience and Salt’s current form could give England a major advantage, especially in Asian conditions. “From my side, I would love to see Phil Salt and Jos Buttler open for England because Buttler has huge experience in Asian conditions, and Salt is at the peak of his powers,” he said.

Jos Buttler, a two-time ICC Championship title winner, is part of England’s plans for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka. England have already announced their squad for the tournament, with Harry Brook named as captain. The Three Lions will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Nepal on February 8.

England squad for T20 World Cup includes Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue and Luke Wood.