Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir fanned the flames ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup blockbuster, calling Abhishek Sharma “just a slogger” and questioning the left-hander’s technical reliability. Amir’s blunt assessment came after Abhishek’s golden duck on tournament debut against the USA and the opener’s subsequent absence from the Namibia game due to illness — factors that leave his availability for the Sri Lanka clash uncertain.
“By whatever little I have seen, if you ask me honestly, I feel he (Abhishek) is just a slogger. He has to go hard at every ball. The day he gets going, it is fine; otherwise, uske failure ke chances zyaada hain,” Mohammad Amir said on a Pakistani TV show, summarising the perceived risk-reward profile of Abhishek’s game.
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Amir doubled down on the critique, arguing the left-hander lacks a stable technical base and often looks for a preferred delivery to attack. “He scores once in eight innings. Otherwise, his scores are 10, 15, 0 and 20. I don’t think he is technically sound. He just stands there and wants all balls to be bowled in a particular area,” Amir added.
Muhammad Amir on Abhishek Sharma:
“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.” pic.twitter.com/6lsABj8sdl
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 13, 2026
That assessment will provoke debate in India, where Abhishek’s big-hitting potential is balanced against inconsistency. Notably, Abhishek has had success against Pakistan before — scoring 31 in the Asia Cup league stage and an important 74 in the Super Fours — even if he managed just five in the final. Those innings underline that while he can be explosive, he can also be a feast-or-famine option at the top.
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With only days to go and India managing several fitness questions, the selectors face a tough call: back Abhishek’s match-winning upside if he’s declared fit, or opt for a more conservative opening combination for the high-pressure Colombo pitch. Amir’s critique adds spice, but ultimately team management will weigh form, fitness and tactical fit before finalising an XI for one of cricket’s most-watched encounters.
