T20 World Cup 2026: ‘They are not playing good cricket overall’ - Mohammad Amir stands firm on assessment despite India's semi-final entry

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has once again grabbed headlines during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, this time acknowledging Sanju Samson’s match-winning heroics against the West Indies in a virtual knockout at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, while still questioning India’s overall performance as a unit.

Amir, who had earlier predicted that India would fail to make the semi-finals, faced heavy criticism on social media after the Men in Blue outclassed the West Indies by five wickets on March 1 at the iconic Eden Gardens to secure their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing multi-national event.

"You said they have proved me wrong. Look, where credit is due, it should be given. Sanju Samson played the best innings of his life. I have seen his knocks in the IPL and other matches, but this innings - and that too in a do-or-die game, a knockout - was special," Amir was quoted as saying by India Today.

Chasing a mammoth total of 196 in front of a packed stadium of over 65,000 spectators, Samson produced a masterclass under pressure. With India’s in-form batters, including Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, failing to rise to the big occasion, the Kerala cricketer anchored the innings to perfection. His unbeaten 97 ensured India went past the 196-run target in the last over. Amir, who lauded Samson's grit, stood firm on his assessment of India’s campaign, though.

"If I analyse it purely from a cricketing point of view, India are not playing good cricket overall. I am still telling you - just check their fielding. They dropped three to four catches and fumbled in the field. Apart from Bumrah, every other bowler is getting hit. India are playing on the strength of just one bowler," he added.

Speaking of the match, the Caribbeans executed their batting plans smartly after being put in to bat. Being sent out to open the innings, all-rounder Roston Chase provided stability, while Rovman Powell (34* off 19) and Jason Holder (37* off 22) unleashed a late explosion to power their side to 195/4.

Samson’s knock not only booked India’s ticket to the semi-finals but also has seemingly sealed his spot for the matches to come. He was dropped from the playing XI at the start of the tournament with Ishan replacing him at the top. The Men in Blue will now lock horns with England in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on March 5.