Speaking during an interaction with senior journalist Vikrant Gupta, Harbhajan called Amir’s label of Abhishek as a “slogger” unfair.
“I mean, come on — what am I even supposed to say to that? He [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 knows exactly where the ball is coming from and plays accordingly. He can play over-cover shots, hit through point, or go long-on, long-off, or midwicket — he has every shot. After that, you can’t label him just a slogger,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
The 2007 T20 World Cup winner expressed confidence that Abhishek is poised to deliver a memorable innings against Pakistan in Colombo, recalling his standout performance 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 [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,” Harbhajan added.
The highly anticipated Group A clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
