Harbhajan Singh attacks Mohammad Amir for disrespecting Abhishek Sharma with ‘slogger’ remark

Former Team India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh defended Abhishek Sharma after Mohammad Amir labelled the opener a slogger ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 clash between arch-rivals. Harbhajan warned that if Abhishek finds his rhythm, he has the ability to hurt Pakistan once again on the big stage.

The match between India and Pakistan will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. Abhishek missed India’s 93-run win over Namibia in Delhi due to a stomach infection. After recovering, the world’s top-ranked T20I batter rejoined the squad and travelled to Sri Lanka with the team.

Abhishek Sharma Is a Complete Batter - Harbhajan Singh Slams Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir questioned Abhishek Sharma’s technique on a talk show, saying the left-hander could be dismissed easily and had not been properly tested. He insisted that Abhishek struggles to defend and relies only on hitting.

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Speaking to Vikrant Gupta on Sports Tak, Harbhajan Singh said that Abhishek is a complete batter with a full range of shots and clear game awareness. Harbhajan stated that Abhishek can score all around the ground and adapt to different situations.

"I mean, come on — what am I even supposed to say to that? He just gets up and says anything. If you call him a slogger, then fine, let him smash sixes — but he’s a proper batter who has every shot in the book," said Harbhajan.

"He’s a complete batter who knows exactly where the ball is coming and plays accordingly. He plays the over-cover shot, hits through point. He can go long-on, long-off, midwicket — he has every shot. After that, you can’t label him just a slogger," he added.

Abhishek Sharma Will Be in Your Dreams Again - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh said that Abhishek Sharma has already shown his quality at the international level. He added that if Abhishek settles at the crease in Colombo, he has the power and confidence to completely change the game and trouble Pakistan once again.

"If I start naming real sloggers, some people might get offended, but I don’t want to create more drama. Still, calling anyone just a slogger like that — I don’t think it’s fair. Abhishek is a top-class batter who has proven his worth in world cricket."

"And just wait and watch tomorrow. If Abhishek stays at the crease, he’ll remind everyone who he is. For the last 4–5 months, he’s already been in your dreams. If he goes big tomorrow, then for the next six months, he’ll be in your dreams again. That’s it," said Harbhajan.

India Defeated Namibia by 93 Runs in Abhishek Sharma's Absence

Abhishek Sharma had a tough start to the T20 World Cup 2026. He was out for a golden duck against the USA in Mumbai. The southpaw suffered a stomach infection and had to be hospitalized, which ruled him out of the next match.

The 25-year-old missed India’s game against Namibia in Delhi. India still produced a dominant performance, winning the match by 93 runs. Sanju Samson replaced Abhishek in the XI. He got out again for 22 off eight balls, hitting three sixes and a four.

Ishan Kishan top-scored with 61 off 24 balls, while Hardik Pandya added 52 off 28. India finished with 209/9 and then bowled Namibia out for 116 in 18.2 overs. Varun Chakravarthy starred with 3/7, while Pandya and Axar Patel took two wickets each.

Abhishek remains an important player for India in T20Is. He has scored 1,297 runs in 39 matches at an average of 36.02 and a strike rate of 194.45, with two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Also read: IND vs PAK weather report: What happens if India vs Pakistan match gets washed out in T20 World Cup 2026?