East Pakistan speedster Mohammad Aamir A bold and controversial forecast for t20 world cup 2026. Just a few days after his dig at ‘Slogger’ Abhishek SharmaA prediction that seemed to be gaining weight as the opener struggled with three consecutive ducks, Amir has now claimed that the defending champions and hosts, IndiaWill fail to qualify for the semi-finals.
Mohammad Aamir told why Suryakumar Yadav’s team will not be able to reach the semi-finals of T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking on the popular show ‘Harna Mana Hai’, Aamir suggested that India’s undefeated performance in the group stages is a ‘mirage’ that will unravel under the increasing pressure of the Super 8. Amir’s primary reason for favoring India’s elimination centers is the perceived weakness in their batting lineup, especially when facing high quality pace and movement.
Despite India finishing Group A with the best record, Amir pointed out that the team has relied too much on individual talent rather than collective consistency. He argued that except the high-octane clash against Pakistan, the Indian batting unit has been weak and ‘collapsed’ in almost every game, often saved by the lower order or disciplined bowling. Using his full quotes to justify his skepticism, Aamir said:
“If you see their matches, the batting has collapsed in all the matches except the Pakistan match. The pressure will increase in the Super 8 matches. The way South Africa and West Indies are playing, they can beat any team. I don’t think India will be able to make it to the last four.” Aamir said.
Mohammad Aamir has predicted that India will not qualify for the World Cup semi-finals.
We have already seen how much psychological impact Aamir’s statement had on Abhishek Sharma.
Now after this it will become very difficult for India to reach the semi-finals. pic.twitter.com/Tyx0v4goWY
— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) 19 February 2026
Also read: This is why half of The Hundred teams can avoid signing Pakistani players in 2026
T20 World Cup 2026: India’s dominance in the group stage and roadmap to Super 8
Despite Amir’s sober approach, India are entering the next stage as the statistically dominant side of the tournament, having topped Group A with an impeccable 4-0 record and an impressive net run rate of +2.500. The ‘Men in Blue’ won their group stage with professional ease USA, Namibia and this NetherlandsWith a spectacular 61 run win over arch rivals Pakistan.
While the top order has faced criticism, the middle order has led Suryakumar Yadav And Shivam DubeyHas shown remarkable depth, often recovering from early upsets and posting match-winning totals. However, as the tournament moves from the league stage to the Super 8s, the margin for error narrows, and India finds itself in a high-risk Group 1 with perennial contenders and secret horses.
India’s journey to the last four begins with a big clash against an undefeated South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a match that many consider a ‘litmus test’ for India’s title credentials. After the opener, India will travel to Chennai to contest zimbabwe On 26 February, a side that earned its place by knocking out Australia and defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka. The group stage will conclude with a high-voltage encounter against West Indies at the Eden Gardens on March 1. With three matches in ten days in different conditions, India will have to balance their playing XI and address ‘Abhishek Sharma’s decline’ to ensure they secure one of the top two spots and prove Aamir’s ‘decline’ theory wrong.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: R Ashwin reflects on India’s form, highlights bright signs ahead of Super 8
