Past Pakistan accelerator Mohammad Amir stirred the pot once again with a bold and controversial prediction for T20 World Cup 2026. A few days after his ‘slogger’ dig Abhishek SharmaIn a prediction that looked fat as the opener struggled with three ducks in a row, Amir now claimed that the defending champions and the hosts, Indiawill not qualify for the semi-finals.
Mohammad Amir explains why Suryakumar Yadav’s India failed to reach T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals
Speaking on the popular show Haarna Mana Hai, Amir suggested that India’s unbeaten run in the group stages was a “mirage” that would unravel under the increased pressure of the Super 8s. Amir’s rationale for backing India’s elimination is based on perceived fragility in the batting line-up, especially when faced with high-quality pace and movement.
Despite India finishing Group A with a perfect record, Amir pointed out that the team relied heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective consistency. He claimed that, barring the high-octane clash against Pakistan, India’s batting unit looked vulnerable and ‘collapsed’ in almost every game, often saved by the lower order or disciplined bowling. Using full quotes to justify his skepticism, Amir said:
“If you see their matches, the batting collapsed in all the games barring Pakistan’s run. The pressure will be on in the Super 8 match. The way South Africa and West Indies are playing, they can beat any team. I don’t think India will make it to the last four.” Amir said.
MOHD AMIR PREDICTED THAT INDIA WILL NOT QUALIFY FOR THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE WC 😭😭
We have seen this before, the psychological impact of Aamir’s revelation on Abhishek Sharma.
Now from now on it will be very difficult for India to reach the semi-finals. pic.twitter.com/Tyx0v4goWY
— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) February 19, 2026
Also READ: This is the reason why half of the hundred teams are reluctant to sign Pakistani players in 2026
T20 World Cup 2026: India’s dominance in group stage and road map to Super 8
Despite Amir’s bleak outlook, India enter the next round as the tournament’s statistically dominant side, topping Group A with an unblemished 4-0 record and +2,500 net run rate. The ‘Blue Men’ easily won the group stage with professionalism USA, Namibia and The Netherlandsalong with a 61-run win over arch-rivals Pakistan.
While the top order faces criticism, the middle order leads the way Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dubeyshowed remarkable depth, often recovering from early wobbles to match-winning finishes. However, as the tournament moves from the league stage to the Super 8, the margin for error has evaporated and India find themselves in a high-stakes Group 1 alongside perennial contenders and dark horses.
India’s journey to the final four begins with a massive clash against the unbeaten South Africa On February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, it is a match that many see as the “litmus test” for India’s title bid. After the opening game, India will travel to Chennai to face off Zimbabwe the side that won their spot by knockout on February 26 Australia and defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka. The group stage concludes on March 1 with a high-stakes encounter against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens. Playing three games in ten days in varying conditions, India will need to balance their game and resolve the ‘Abhishek Sharma collapse’ to secure one of the top two spots and prove Amir’s ‘collapse’ theory wrong.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: R Ashwin reflects on India’s form, highlights bright signs ahead of Super 8
