Mohammad Hafeez trashes Mohammad Amir’s claim, bows down to Abhishek Sharma

Published - 27 Feb 2026, 10:46 AM | Updated - 27 Feb 2026, 11:34 PM

Mohammad Hafeez and Abhishek Sharma. Image Credit: X

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Abhishek Sharma is back with fire in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. In a must-win Super 8 clash, India needed a hero against Zimbabwe, and Abhishek answered the call in style on Thursday (February 26) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Abhishek Sharma storms back to form in T20 World Cup 2026

The left-handed batter smashed a stunning 55 off just 30 balls. He attacked from ball one, hitting four boundaries and four massive sixes, and played an important role in India’s 72-run win over Zimbabwe.

Abhishek was under immense pressure after failing to live up to the hype, as before this game, he could manage only 15 runs and was dismissed for a duck three times. Many have called for dropping the young opener, but the team management’s belief never been shaken.

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Mohammad Hafeez hails Abhishek after his stunning knock

After the India versus Zimbabwe match, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez made a bold point. He said teams support players for their character and attitude, not just runs. He believes that Abhishek brings impact every time he walks out to bat.

Mohammad Hafeez said on Tapmad, "Abhishek Sharma is a very good player, and as I said earlier, the team that backs you is because of your character, your impact, and your positive attitude. I think all the management is very happy with him because whenever he plays, he is a very impactful player.”

Defending the Punjab lad, the former Pakistan coach has stressed that getting out on the first or second ball does not mean he is out of form, but it shows he plays fearless cricket. Hafeez also pointed out that slow batting worries a coach more than quick dismissals.

Mohammad Hafeez hails Abhishek’s intent

Explaining his point, he noted that if a batter scores 15 runs from 20 balls, this will be a big concern for the team management, but if a player attacks and falls early, it shows intent that matters most in T20 cricket. And on the big night in Chennai, Abhishek proved the team management’s trust right.

The former Pakistan captain further added, “If I am the coach, then it will not be a problem for me if Abhishek gets out on the first 2 or 3 balls. But if he does 10 or 12 runs on 20 balls, then I will think that there is something wrong. So, I think they backed the intent of Abhishek Sharma and the way he batted today, it shows the confidence.”

Hafeez praises Team India for backing Abhishek

Well, despite massive criticism, Abhishek did not change his style but Abhishek stayed true to his natural game and gave India the perfect start in a high-pressure match in Chennai. Hafeez reiterated that the team backed Abhishek’s intent, and his batting reflected that confidence.

He signed off by saying, “It must have given great confidence to the management back in the dugout that I am the same Abhishek on whom you are trusting. I did not make myself the smarty-pants that I am talking about. I did not make myself the smarty-pants that I am talking about. I think they backed the intent of Abhishek Sharma, and the way he batted today, it shows the confidence.”

Mohammed Hafeez lavishes praises on Abhishek Sharma

"If I were India's coach, a couple of ducks wouldn't have bothered me. If Abhishek Sharma scores 15 runs off 20 balls, that would be concerning for me. But the way he batted and showed intent, it gave confidence to the mgmt." pic.twitter.com/Z0Zk5rkatI
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) February 26, 2026