Ashwin Defends Abhishek Sharma, Counters Amir's 'Slogger' Label After T20 World Cup Knock
Ravichandran Ashwin has come out strongly in defense of young India batter Abhishek Sharma after former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir labeled him "just a slogger" during the ongoing T20 World Cup. The controversy erupted following Abhishek Sharma's challenging start to the tournament, where he was dismissed for three consecutive ducks in the group stage matches.
Amir's Criticism and Sharma's Response
Mohammad Amir's critical remarks questioned Abhishek Sharma's technique and suggested the young batter lacked a proper defensive game. However, Sharma answered his critics in spectacular fashion during India's crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The left-handed batter smashed an aggressive 55 runs off just 30 balls, helping India post a formidable total of 256/4 and shifting the narrative around his tournament performance.
Ashwin's Strong Rebuttal on YouTube
Responding to Amir's comments on his popular YouTube channel, Ashwin delivered a passionate defense of his teammate. "There is a video of Mohammad Amir doing the rounds, where he called Abhishek Sharma a slogger. I just want to make one thing clear: you can say anything about his game, but he is not a slogger," Ashwin stated emphatically.
The veteran spinner elaborated on Sharma's technical merits, saying, "He has one of the most enviable bat swings in the game today. We all know Yuvraj Singh is his mentor, and he has probably got a better bat swing than him as well. You cannot get a better bat swing than that. Whenever Abhishek strikes the ball, it goes very far."
Ashwin acknowledged why some might misunderstand Sharma's approach, explaining, "So people can mistake him for being a slogger. The one thing Abhishek has been guilty of is showing intent on every ball."
Sharma's Personal Reflections and Team Support
After his match-winning performance on Thursday, Abhishek Sharma shared his relief and satisfaction with reporters. "It's always great when you contribute to the team, and I was waiting for this moment for quite a long time now, so finally it's happening. I'm really happy... I just wanted to spend some time at the pitch," the young batter revealed.
Sharma also highlighted the crucial support he received from teammates during his difficult phase. "You have done this before as well, and your time is not so far. You just keep believing," he quoted his teammates as telling him, emphasizing the positive environment within the Indian dressing room.
Broader Context and Tournament Significance
The exchange between Ashwin and Amir highlights the intense scrutiny young cricketers face in high-pressure tournaments like the T20 World Cup. Sharma's journey from three consecutive ducks to a match-winning half-century demonstrates the mental resilience required at the international level.
Ashwin's defense also underscores the importance of senior players supporting younger teammates through challenging periods. The incident has sparked discussions about:
- The appropriate way to critique young players' techniques
- The difference between aggressive batting and slogging
- The role of mentorship in developing international cricketers
- The pressure of performing in global tournaments
As India continues its T20 World Cup campaign, Sharma's performance against Zimbabwe and Ashwin's vocal support have become significant talking points in cricket circles worldwide.
