New Delhi: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamir is not backing down from his controversial assessment of Indian opener Abhishek Sharma. Despite a barrage of trolling from Indian fans on social media, Aamir insists the young batter is nothing more than a ‘slugger’ – a player who relies on raw power rather than technique.
In a recent private channel interview, Aamir didn’t mince words. ‘He’s a slugger. That’s how I see him. A player who can’t judge the line properly or defend the ball adequately – can I call that a complete batsman? He charges in, swings hard, and right now it’s connecting well for him. But the day he learns to handle tricky lines and defend properly, I’ll change my opinion,’ Aamir stated firmly.
Aamir challenged Abhishek’s credentials further, pointing to the nature of pitches he’s dominated so far. ‘You’re playing on small grounds with flat wickets. You haven’t been truly tested yet. Let him tour South Africa, New Zealand, and England where the ball swings. That’s the real test for batsmen. If he succeeds there, I’ll be the first to call him a proper batsman.’
The Pakistani star clarified he’s no hater of Indian talent. ‘I’m not biased against Indian players. I still believe Virat Kohli is the greatest player of this generation,’ he added, drawing a clear distinction.
The term ‘slugger’ typically describes a batsman who prioritizes muscle over finesse, hitting the ball with brute force instead of precise technique.
Abhishek Sharma has exploded onto the T20 scene over the past year, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous openers. His stats are staggering: in 39 T20 matches across 38 innings, he’s smashed 2 centuries and 8 half-centuries, amassing 1,297 runs at a blistering strike rate of 194.45. His highest score stands at 135. However, a stomach infection sidelined him from India’s T20 World Cup clash against Namibia.
Uncertainty looms over his fitness for the upcoming match against Pakistan. Will Abhishek return to the lineup fully recovered? Fans await confirmation as India prepares for this high-stakes encounter.
Aamir’s bold take has ignited heated debates across cricket circles, with many questioning if the youngster’s aggressive style can translate to tougher conditions abroad.