Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has explained his controversial remark calling Indian opener Abhishek Sharma a ‘slogger,’ insisting there was no intention to disrespect the batsman.
Abhishek, long regarded as a powerful T20 force, struggled at the World Cup, being dismissed for zero in each of the first three matches. His unexpected hat-trick of ducks sparked widespread discussion across the cricketing world.
After two consecutive ducks, Amir labelled him a ‘slogger,’ reflecting his assessment of Abhishek’s approach rather than his talent.
“From what I’ve seen so far, my honest opinion is that he is just a slogger. He plays every ball in a hitting manner. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Most days, the failure chances are higher,” Amir said.
Abhishek eventually scored against South Africa in the Super Eight stage, but in a heavy team defeat, he managed only 15 off 12 balls.
Speaking on the Pakistani TV show Harna Mana Hai, Amir elaborated:
“I was speaking from a bowler’s perspective, discussing his technique. People didn’t take the word ‘slogger’ well. What I meant was that his approach allows good teams and skilled bowlers to trap him.”
He added, “Look at the 14–15 runs he scored—they were all in one direction. The balls he hit were weak deliveries. But when (Kagiso) Rabada bowled well, he struggled to adjust.”
Amir also offered guidance to the 25-year-old opener:
“He has potential. Even after three ducks, he keeps his intent. But my message as a senior player is that international cricket exposes your technique. If you can be patient and play according to the type of delivery, it will help.”
“He has the skill, but it depends on how well he applies it. That is why I called him a ‘slogger.’ People just didn’t understand it correctly.”
