Mohammad Amir Shows Gautam Gambhir What His Indian Team Is Without Virat Kohli

Mohammad Amir, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir (Source:X)

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has openly called out Gautam Gambhir's India after recent South Africa drubbing. India's campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage began on a disappointing note as they suffered a crushing 76-run defeat against the South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on February 22.

The loss also dented India’s confidence and reignited debates around the team’s batting strength in the absence of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

India's batting collapse raises big questions

Opting to bat first, South Africa posted a total of 187 for 7 in their 20 overs. Veteran batter David Miller led the charge with a powerful 63 off 35 balls, turning back the clock with his clean hitting. Dewald Brevis supported him brilliantly, scoring 45 off just 29 balls.

The pair stitched together a crucial 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket, shifting the momentum firmly in South Africa's favour.

In reply, India never looked settled during the chase. The batting line-up struggled from the start, losing wickets at regular intervals. The team was eventually bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs. Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 22.

Amir's prediction turns reality as India struggles without Virat Kohli

Just days before the Super Eight stage began, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir had predicted that India could struggle in this phase of the tournament.

Speaking on a cricket show on Geo News titled "Haarna Mana Hai," Amir boldly ruled India out of his list of semi-finalists from Group 1. Instead, he backed South Africa and the West Indies to progress ahead of the Men in Blue.

After India’s heavy defeat, Mohammad Amir revisited his earlier remarks on the same show. He stated that India’s batting weaknesses were clearly exposed, especially while chasing a target.

Mohammad Amir pointed out that this was India’s first time chasing in the tournament and that the absence of experienced batters like Virat Kohli was evident.

"India got exposed today. They were chasing for the first time, especially without Kohli," Amir said bluntly.

junaiz

@dhillow_

Mohammad Amir said, “India got exposed today. They were chasing for the first time, especially without Kohli.”

Feb 23, 2026, 1:32 AM

Abhishek Sharma under fire as Amir offers tough advice

Amir also spoke strongly about India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma, who has endured a tough tournament so far. Coming into the World Cup as the No.1 ranked T20I batter, expectations were high for him.

However, he has struggled badly, registering ducks in his first three matches and scoring just 15 off 12 balls against South Africa.

Earlier, Amir had called Sharma a “slogger,” criticising his lack of defensive technique. He explained that a batter who cannot defend properly is likely to struggle at the international level, especially against quality bowling and variations like slower balls.

Though his comments have sparked debate, Amir clarified that he never intended to demoralise the young batter.

"As a senior player, my advice to Abhishek Sharma is very simple, international cricket always exposes your technique. You need patience and you need to play according to the ball. He already has the skill, there is no doubt about that, but how you utilize that skill depends on you. I never meant to hurt or demoralize him in any way. It was just honest advice, a genuine tip. Best of luck to him for the future."

Instead, he described his words as honest advice meant to help Abhishek Sharma improve.