The T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Wankhede Stadium will be remembered not just for India’s edge-of-the-seat seven-run win against England, but for Navjot Singh Sidhu’s brutal takedown of Mohammad Aamir.
With India storming into the final, Sidhu, the colorful former batsman and commentator, didn’t hold back. He labeled the Pakistani ex-fast bowler a ‘fake baba’ – a phony prophet – for his parade of failed forecasts.
Recounting Aamir’s misses, Sidhu highlighted how the pacer had dismissed India’s chances entirely. ‘India won’t make semis,’ Aamir had said, favoring West Indies and South Africa instead. Those predictions crumbled as India advanced and the others faltered.
Aamir’s semi-final prophecy fared no better: England to beat India. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spells and sharp fielding turned the tide, leaving Aamir’s crystal ball shattered.
In his post-match reaction, Aamir was sporting in defeat. ‘India played their best cricket of the tournament here,’ he admitted. ‘Bumrah’s pace was the difference-maker. A catch off Samson might have changed everything.’
Sidhu’s critique underscores a broader point about so-called experts who thrive on hype but fade under scrutiny. ‘They pose as oracles,’ he quipped, ‘but deliver smoke and mirrors.’
As the cricket world anticipates the final, this verbal volley adds spice to the Indo-Pak rivalry narrative. Sidhu’s eloquence ensures the story lingers long after the cheers fade.