'Wish we had 2–3 players like him in Pakistan': Ex-cricketer's blunt take on this Indian cricketer

NEW DELHI — Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has launched a scathing critique of compatriot Mohammad Amir for labelling India’s Abhishek Sharma a “slogger” during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and has instead urged Pakistan to seek talent of the young opener’s quality.

Abhishek arrived at the tournament under a cloud of scrutiny after three successive ducks to open India’s campaign, yet rebounded in spectacular fashion when it mattered most, striking a match-defining half-century in the final against New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. His assault provided the early momentum that carried India to a commanding 96-run victory and a record third T20 world title, adding to previous triumphs in 2007 and 2024.

Amir’s mid-tournament dismissal of the 20-year-old as a mere “slogger” quickly drew fire once Abhishek’s innings helped seal the trophy. Speaking on ARY News, Basit Ali questioned the impulse to write off a player on the basis of a short-form slump.

“Even if he has scored three ducks, form is temporary, but class is permanent,” Ali said. “When people start giving such a classy player names, it honestly feels disappointing to me. The kind of names being thrown around… I just wish we had two or three players like him in our country as well.”

The left-hander’s resurgence mirrored India’s own path through the competition; the hosts lost only once on their way to glory. After the final whistle, Abhishek credited the unwavering backing of captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for keeping his confidence intact.

“The coach and the captain, they had the faith in me,” Abhishek told the host broadcaster. “Everyone was so, so much into me that you’re going to win one big game. I was just doing my process, but it wasn’t that easy as a young player… going through this phase.”

He added that the squad’s support during his lean run had been unlike anything he had experienced. “I think I just love this team, the way they treated me in those days.”

Basit’s blunt assessment underscores a broader sentiment: while Pakistan continues to search for consistent match-winners at the top of the order, India appear to have uncovered another gem capable of swinging a global final in a matter of overs.

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