Mohammad Shami was a brutal force in the recently concluded CWC in India, where he ended up as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, despite missing the initial four games. The right-arm paceman also surprised everyone with his consistent seam and pace and produced match-winning spells against the opposition.
Mohammad Shami had a dream CWC where he picked up 24 wickets in just 7 matches, the most by an Indian in a single World Cup. In the process, he also became the highest wicket-taker for India in ODI World Cups, with 55 wickets. He was the go-to bowler for the Cpatain Rohit Sharma, whenever the team required a wicket.
Along with this pinnacle of success, Shami also received hate and criticism, especially from Pakistan fans and media houses. Former Pakistani player Hazan Raza accused the Indian bowlers with false allegations of ball tampering, to get more swing during the World Cup.
Mohammad Shami responds to Hazan Raza’s comments and Sajdah controversy
Recently in a News18 video, Shami hit back against these accusations and said, “They have made cricket a joke because we don’t enjoy each other’s success. You become too happy when you are being praised, but when you lose, you feel that you have been cheated. You look at the records of the time we have been part of the team, you won’t even find them close. Jealously is evident. You can never get good results with this amount of jealousy, ” Shami said.
Mohammad Shami also responded to a few Pakistani fans’ statements, who said that the Indian bowler wanted to do Sajdah after taking a wicket during a World Cup match against Sri Lanka but pulled out at the last moment thinking about the backlash.
“Some people were saying that I wanted to do Sajdah but didn’t. Some people called out the country, others my caste. Whatever filth they had to mutter, they did. Rather than appreciating my bowling, people highlighted that controversy,” Shami said.
Shami revealed the exact reason behind getting down on his knees after dismissing Kasun Rajitha. “I was bowling a fifth over in a row, I think and was bowling with an effort beyond my ability. I was tired. The ball was beating the edge so often, so when I finally got that fifth wicket, I went down on my knees. Someone pushed me, so I moved forward a bit. That photo was widely circulated across social media. People thought I wanted to do Sajdah but didn’t. I’ve got only one advice for them, please stop such a nuisance.”
Sahmi also went on to say that he is a proud Muslim and a proud Indian, and doesn’t care much about these things on social media.
“I’m not afraid of anyone when it comes to this. I’m a Muslim, and I’ve said this before, I’m proud of being one. And I’m a proud Indian too. For me, the country comes first. If these things bother someone, I don’t care. I live happily, and I represent my country, nothing matters more to me. As far as the controversies are concerned, those who only live to play these games on social media, I don’t care about them. As far as Sajdah is concerned, if I wanted to do it, I would have. It shouldn’t concern anyone else”, Sahmi concluded.
