Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has sparked controversy by launching a scathing attack on India’s star opener Abhishek Sharma, describing the young opener as “just a slogger,” questioning his technique, and predicting a high likelihood of failure due to what he called a risky playing style ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on February 15.
What Did Mohammad Amir Say?
Ahead of India’s next game, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has taken a dig at India’s best T20 batter. In the show called ‘Hasna Mana Hain’, the left-arm seamer called the left-handed batter “just a slogger,” and he also pointed out his weakness and how the bowlers should handle him.
Amir’s Exact Words:
“Honestly, he’s just a slogger. His chances of failure are high. He’s not a technically sound batsman. It’s not difficult to tackle such a batsman if you bowl on the body line. He will also struggle against slow balls.”
Amir’s Complete Assessment of Abhishek
“From what I have seen of him so far, in my opinion — if I’m being completely honest — he looks like a slogger to me. He just tries to hit every ball. If it connects, it connects. But most of the time, the chances of failure are higher,” Amir said.
Speaking on the show Haarna Mana Hai, Amir said that from what he has observed, Abhishek relies heavily on aggressive stroke play rather than solid technique. According to Amir, the left-hander looks to attack almost every delivery, making him vulnerable when conditions are challenging. Amir suggested that while Abhishek can be destructive on his day, his approach carries significant risk.
He also questioned whether the Indian opener could handle even slight swing movement with the same attacking confidence, adding that true technical quality is tested in such situations.
Rashid Latif Joins the Criticism
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif echoed parts of Amir’s assessment:
“His upper body doesn’t come forward much; he gives himself a lot of room. That’s why he looks like a slogger — because he’s ready to hit every ball,” Latif said.
Latif added that Sharma’s approach could pose challenges in longer formats or situations requiring defensive play: “When he tries to play a defensive shot, he will face problems. He doesn’t get into the proper line, so the reason he’s been successful is that he’s been focusing on just one thing — he hasn’t really worked on his defence.”
But The Numbers Tell a Different Story!
Despite Amir’s criticism, Abhishek Sharma’s statistics are phenomenal:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| T20I Runs | 1,297 runs in 38 T20Is |
| Average | Over 37 |
| Strike Rate | 195 (blistering!) |
| Boundary % | He strikes averaging a boundary roughly every 3 balls. His 80.3% of runs coming from boundaries is exceptionally high. |
| Vs Pakistan | Against Pakistan, he has scored 110 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 189.65, including one half-century. |
| World Ranking | Sharma became the number one ranked men’s T20I batter in 2025, achieving the highest-ever men’s rating points in the format’s history. |
Abhishek’s Record-Breaking Journey
In 2025, he hit the highest individual score for India in T20Is by scoring 135 runs from 54 balls vs England.
Sharma hit the second-highest score against England as well as the second-fastest half-century and century for India by balls faced. He also hit the most sixes for India in an innings in men’s T20Is and had the highest run-rate during a 100+ partnership for India in T20Is.
At the 2025 Asia Cup, Sharma broke the record of the most runs scored in a T20I edition of the tournament. He became the highest run-scorer of the edition with 314 runs in seven innings. He was also awarded the player of the tournament for his performance.
Current Fitness Concern: Will Abhishek Play vs Pakistan?
The controversy comes at a difficult time for India as Abhishek is battling illness:
The flamboyant left-handed opener did not have the best of a start to his 2026 T20 World Cup campaign while opening the innings for India. In the first match against the USA, he was dismissed for a golden duck, and since then, he has not featured for the Men in Blue as he has been suffering from a stomach issue.
He was rushed to the hospital while attending a dinner party organised by head coach Gautam Gambhir in Delhi. Abhishek has dropped 2kg since being hospitalised with a stomach problem. He has been under observation and a strict diet plan, as the Men in Blue management keeps a close eye.
Following his absence from India’s match against Namibia in Delhi due to a severe stomach infection and viral fever, India captain Suryakumar Yadav provided a concerning update at the toss, stating that the left-hander could miss ‘a game or two’.
Positive Update from Teammate:
After India’s victory against Namibia, an update on Abhishek’s fitness was given by India spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who stated that he seemed fit enough to play against Pakistan. “As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good. He did some practice today also. He told me he is on the way,” PTI quoted Chakravarthy.
India’s “Abhishek Dependency” Problem Exposed
Former India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji has also highlighted concerns:
Lakshmipathy Balaji said on Star Sports, “The start he provides is important. Though Ishan Kishan is playing well, he has come back only recently. So, Abhishek Sharma still doesn’t have a set opening partner who can take over when he falls. The over-reliance on Abhishek Sharma is clear. India is struggling when he gets out early.”
Balaji further noted, “Teams are starting to set fields square on the offside for him. So, he has to bring some game awareness to the forefront. There is no doubt about his shot-making ability, but he should respect the bowlers and the conditions in the initial phase.”
The Real Question: Is Amir Right or Wrong?
| Amir’s Claim | Counter-Evidence |
|---|---|
| “Just a slogger” | World No. 1 T20I batter with highest-ever rating points |
| “Technically weak” | 135 vs England—highest T20I score by an Indian |
| “High chances of failure” | Average of 37+ in T20Is |
| “Will struggle against slow balls” | Dominated spinners in Asia Cup 2025 |
| “Body line will work” | If Abhishek is fit and he gets his bat going, it will really be difficult for the Pakistan bowlers to handle him. |
Why This Is Mind Games Before IND vs PAK
Amir’s comments come just 2 days before the biggest match of the T20 World Cup—India vs Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. This appears to be classic pre-match psychological warfare:
- Targeting an unwell player – Abhishek is already struggling with illness
- Giving Pakistan bowlers a “blueprint” – Body line + slow balls
- Creating doubt – Calling the world’s No.1 T20 batter “technically weak”
- Building pressure – Making Abhishek’s return a talking point
Head-to-Head: India vs Pakistan T20 WC History
Historically, India and Pakistan have faced each other in 16 T20 internationals. Of these, India have won 13, while Pakistan have emerged victorious on three occasions. Both teams have clashed eight times in the T20 World Cup, with India leading the head-to-head 6-1, while one match ended in no result.
India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh.
