As the high-stakes India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash looms on the horizon, the cricketing world has been ignited by a war of words between a former legend and one of India’s rising stars. The drama surrounding Abhishek Sharma has intensified, with the young opener battling a severe health crisis while facing scathing public criticism from across the border. While India’s medical team works around the clock to get their primary power-hitter match-ready for Sunday in Colombo, the psychological warfare has already begun.
Mohammad Amir takes a dig at unwell Abhishek Sharma before IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 match
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has sparked a massive controversy by labeling India’s top-ranked T20 batter, Abhishek Sharma, as nothing more than a ‘slogger’ ahead of the blockbuster showdown. Speaking on the Pakistan talk show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ on February 13, 2026, Amir questioned Abhishek’s technical foundation, claiming that the 25-year-old lacks the ability to tackle swinging deliveries and is prone to frequent failure. Amir’s comments were direct and provocative, aimed at unsettling the youngster during his recovery period:
“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. 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 said.
Amir went even further by offering a tactical blueprint for Pakistani bowlers, suggesting that the best way to dismiss Abhishek is to target his body and use slower variations, as he believes the batter lacks the patience and technique for elite-level swing bowling. These remarks have drawn sharp reactions from Indian fans, who pointed to Abhishek’s staggering career strike rate of nearly 200 and his ability to dismantle world-class attacks as evidence of his unique talent.
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
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav provides update on Abhishek’s health
On the medical front, Abhishek Sharma is currently in a desperate race against time after a severe stomach infection saw him lose 2kg of weight and undergo hospitalisation earlier this week. In a candid video shared by teammate Arshdeep Singh, a visibly leaner Abhishek revealed the physical toll of the illness, which began after he consumed something in Mumbai on February 6. The infection, aggravated by a sudden weather shift in Delhi and high fever, resulted in significant fluid loss. The messaging from the Indian leadership has been mixed, creating a cloud of uncertainty over his availability for Sunday’s marquee clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium:
“Abhishek isn’t fine still, might take one or two games,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav stated cautiously at the toss against Namibia, hinting that the opener might be rested for the Pakistan game to ensure long-term fitness.
However, teammate Varun Chakravarthy provided a more optimistic update following India’s victory in Delhi:
“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 officially traveled with the squad to Colombo, where he will undergo a final endurance and strength test. While the “slogger” insults from Amir have spiced up the pre-match narrative, the real battle remains whether Abhishek can regain the 2kg of lost muscle and the match-stamina required to face Pakistan’s high-velocity attack on Sunday.
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