India vs Afghanistan: Who Is Mohammad Saleem Safi? Afghanistan Pacer Takes Six-Wicket Haul in Mullanpur Test

Mohammad Saleem Safi emerged as Afghanistan’s standout performer on the second day of the one-off Test against India in Mullanpur, even as his team struggled on a flat and testing surface in the hot conditions. In only his second Test appearance, the 23-year-old fast bowler delivered a spirited spell that brought energy and intent to a match otherwise dominated by India’s batting. His six-wicket haul not only halted India’s progress at key moments but also highlighted his growth and resilience after a difficult start to his Test career.

Born in Baghlan in northern Afghanistan, Safi first came into prominence through domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut for Kunduz province in the 2018–19 Mirwais Nika Provincial 3-Day Trophy on February 25, 2019. Later that year, he made his List A debut for Amo Region in the 2019 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament. His progress earned him a call-up to Afghanistan’s national squad in February 2021, though he had to wait until July 2023 to make his international debut. Since then, he has featured in three white-ball internationals but is still searching for his first wicket in limited-overs cricket.

Safi’s Test career began with promise but also setback. He made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo in February 2024, but that outing was cut short when a strained left hamstring forced him out of the match after he had bowled 12.1 overs and conceded 57 runs. In Mullanpur, however, he looked far more durable and effective, bowling with intensity through difficult conditions and showing improved fitness and control.

His breakthrough performance in the India Test came through a series of important dismissals. Safi first removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 24, then accounted for B Sai Sudharsan, who had made 81. On the next day, he struck again by dismissing India captain Shubman Gill, who was caught behind after scoring 126. One of his most notable wickets came when Dhruv Jurel was bowled by a delivery that jagged back sharply into the stumps as the batter attempted to leave it. Safi completed his haul by dismissing Manav Suthar and Mohammed Siraj, finishing with impressive figures of 27-3-140-6.

Despite Safi’s efforts, India remained in a commanding position after declaring at 564 for 8, leaving Afghanistan with a huge challenge in the remainder of the match. Still, Safi’s spell stood out as one of the few bright moments for the visitors and underlined his potential as a future leader of Afghanistan’s pace attack.