Doubling down on his controversial remarks about India opener Abhishek Sharma, Mohammad Amir reiterated that he still considers the left-hander a “batsman” ahead of the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash.
Amir had earlier gone viral after claiming that Abhishek is “nothing but a slogger” who can be fired with simple schemes. On a Pakistani television show, the former fast bowler stood by his assessment and urged the youngster to prove himself in testing in overseas conditions.
“He’s a slogger. At least in my opinion. If he doesn’t know how to block the ball by getting in line, what else would I call him? A real batsman? He comes off the pitch and swings – when he connects, it goes off the ground. Now’s his time, he runs well. You play short boundaries, flat pitches,” Amir said.
He further added, “Once you swing well in South Africa, England and New Zealand, I will say he is a great batsman.”
IND VS PAK: WILL ABHISHEK SHARMA PLAY?
Amir’s comments came just a day before the marquee clash. Abhishek, who missed India’s previous match against Namibia’s national cricket team due to illness, is expected to return to the XI against Pakistan.
The left-hander entered the T20 World Cup in red-hot form but struggled in India’s opening match against the USA, battling a high fever and not taking the field in defence. He was subsequently ruled out of the Namibia game after being hospitalized with a stomach infection.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha wished Abhishek a speedy recovery and expressed hope that he will feature in the competition. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav responded with a cheeky remark, saying that if Pakistan wanted Abhishek to play, “he will definitely play”.
With criticism, banter and anticipation swirling around him, Abhishek now has the perfect stage to answer his critics.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 14, 2026