Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has added to his criticism of hard-hitting Abhishek Sharma who has recorded three consecutive ducks in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. After labelling Abhishek a 'slogger', Amir said that international cricket has exposed Abhishek's weaknesses. He feels Saim Ayub had the same issue during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former pacer advised Abhishek to improve his game on the off side. He wants the bowlers to bowl at third or fourth stump line on the off side to trouble him.
“Saim had the same issue when he came to play the PSL a few years back. He was new and was hitting no-look shots. Nobody knew his weakness because most of his shots were on the leg side. Now, if you bowl at the third or fourth stump line, he struggles to decide. Even in his last two matches, he was dismissed playing on the off side. Unless he improves his off-side game, he cannot progress. Strong bowlers will always test your weakness and push you out of your comfort zone,” Amir said on Geo News.
“Same for Abhishek. He wants every ball in the slot so he can hit. But at the bigger stages, or in ODIs, har ball lapete mein nahi le sakte (you cannot slog every ball in pressure cricket). Salman Agha and Aryan Dutt got him out in similar fashion. International cricket will expose you.”
Abhishek gets support from former cricketers
Abhishek has got the backing of the team management. India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate backed him to come good at the Super 8 stage, starting with the game against South Africa. Several former cricketers including the former head coach Ravi Shastri and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar have advised the opener to take some time. Meanwhile, former England captain Nasser Hussain has asked the team management to boost his morale by showing his previous great knocks. Hussain feels it is not about a technical flaw but a mental thing.
Ayub struggles too
Impressive with the ball, Ayub has struggled for runs So far, he has managed to score 63 runs from four innings in the tournament. Pakistan would home for a better show from him against New Zealand on February 21.