NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has stirred controversy ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash by criticising Indian batter Abhishek Sharma, who is currently recovering from illness. With the big match set for February 15 in Colombo, the comments have added extra spice to the rivalry.
Amir questioned Abhishek’s batting ability and called him a one-dimensional player.“By whatever little I have seen, if you ask me honestly, I feel he is just a slogger… I don’t think he is technically sound,” Amir was quoted as saying in a Pakistani show. “He just stands there and wants all balls to be bowled in a particular area. I will consider him a proper batter only when I see that the ball is swinging even slightly and he tackles it well.” Amir also suggested that Pakistani bowlers should target Abhishek with bodyline bowling and slower balls, claiming he lacks patience and technique.Meanwhile, Abhishek has been racing against time to recover from a serious stomach infection that led to weight loss and hospitalisation.Recently, Varun Chakravarthy offered a more positive update, saying, “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.”Abhishek has travelled with the team to Colombo and will undergo final fitness tests. India have made a perfect start to their campaign, having already won both their matches against USA and Namibia, respectively. If they win the game against Pakistan on Sunday, the Men in Blue will qualify for the Super 8s.
