Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir ignited a controversy ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match by calling India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma a “slogger” — questioning his technique and consistency in an interview on a Pakistani TV show. His blunt remarks have sparked widespread discussion among fans, pundits, and former cricketers alike.
Amir’s Scathing Remarks
Speaking on the cricket talk show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’, Amir criticized Abhishek Sharma’s batting style, stating that he tends to play a high-risk brand of cricket that revolves around powerful hitting rather than traditional technique. According to Amir, the India opener plays like a “slogger” — someone who swings hard at most deliveries — and is more likely to fail than succeed because of his aggressive approach.
Amir elaborated that from the limited footage he had seen, Abhishek often stands still and waits for the ball in his preferred hitting zone instead of using a sound technical foundation. He also claimed that Sharma is susceptible to failure unless he demonstrates the ability to handle swinging deliveries with the same proficiency he shows on flat tracks.
Tactical Advice for Pakistan Bowlers
In the same conversation, Amir outlined a tactical blueprint on how bowlers should aim to dismiss Abhishek Sharma. He suggested that bowling at the batter’s body line would be most effective, as such deliveries could unsettle his rhythm and exploit his tendency to stick to a particular hitting zone. Amir also remarked that slower balls could trouble Sharma, potentially forcing mistakes.
Despite his critical tone, Amir conceded that on his day Abhishek has the capability to hurt the opposition with big hits if he finds form. This nuanced admission, however, did little to soften the overall judgment on Sharma’s technical soundness.
Abhishek Sharma’s Fitness Concerns
Adding another layer to the drama, Abhishek Sharma is currently dealing with a significant health setback. The Indian opener was sidelined due to a severe stomach issue that resulted in hospitalization and a weight loss of about 2 kilograms. This illness forced him to miss India’s recent victory over Namibia.
As of now, the Indian team management has not officially ruled him out of the India-Pakistan fixture scheduled for February 15, though his participation remains uncertain due to his recovery status. Fans are closely monitoring his progress to see whether he will be fit enough to take the field and respond to Amir’s “slogger” remark.
Fan & Expert Reactions
Amir’s comments have generated mixed reactions. Some feel his critique was excessively harsh, especially given Abhishek’s current health challenges. Others argue that such psychological tactics are part of the pre-match build-up in rivalries as intense as India vs Pakistan.
The controversy surrounding Amir’s comments adds a new off-field subplot to one of cricket’s most storied rivalries. Whether Abhishek Sharma plays on Sunday and how he responds — both on the scoreboard and with his bat — will be among the most watched narratives as India and Pakistan prepare for a blockbuster showdown in the T20 World Cup 2026.
