T20 World Cup 2026: 'Just wait and watch' - Harbhajan Singh slams Mohammad Amir for 'slogger' remark on Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs PAK

The former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come forward to defend Abhishek Sharma after the latter was slammed by ex-pace bowler Mohammad Amir ahead of the India versus Pakistan clash in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 15. Harbhajan flagged Amir's remarks as baseless, turning his comments down and defending the solid technique and strokes that Abhishek has in his books.

The cricketer-turned-commentator was involved in an interaction alongside senior journalist Vikrant Gupta when the latter asked him to express his views on Amir's remarks on the India opener. Harbhajan did not mince his words and straightforwardly said that whatever the former Pakistan pacer has said is absolutely baseless. Labelling a complete batter like Abhishek as a 'slogger' isn't cool, Harbhajan reckoned. 

"I mean, come on — what am I even supposed to say to that? He [Mohammad Amir] 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. He’s a complete batter who knows exactly where the ball is coming from and plays accordingly. He plays the over-cover shot, hits through point. He can go long-on, long-off, or midwicket — he has every shot. After that, you can’t label him just a slogger," Harbhajan said via his YouTube channel.

The 2007 T20 World Cup winner was confident that Abhishek looks all set to play a memorable innings against the Men in Green in Colombo, similar to what he did during the 2025 Asia Cup. 

"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 [on Sunday]. 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.

For the unversed, the all-important encounter will get underway on Sunday, February 15, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in a Group A clash.