Team India bowler Mohammed Shami has slammed trolls for stirring up unnecessary controversy following his five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup league-stage match.
After dismissing Kasun Rajitha to complete his five-fer, the pacer can be seen bending down and patting the ground with both hands in a viral video. Some social media users reported that he planned to do the ‘Sajda’ but stopped midway due to fear of retribution.
Some people compared the situation to Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan commemorating his hundredth birthday by giving namaz.
Some people likened the episode to Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, who offered namaz to celebrate turning 100. However, this comparison was met with criticism.
“If I wanted to pray, who could stop me? I won’t stop anyone from praying. If I want to pray, I will pray. What’s the problem in this? I will say it with pride that I am a Muslim. I will say it with pride that I am an Indian. What’s the problem in that? If I have to ask permission to pray from someone, then why should I be in this country?.”
Mohammed Shami
He Added:
Have I ever prayed after taking a 5-wicket haul before? I have taken many five-wicket hauls. You tell me where you have to pray, and I will go and pray there.”
Mohammed Shami
At the Wankhede in Mumbai, Mohammed Shami struck fantastic figures of 5/18 in five overs as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 55 in a chase of 358.
“They only want to create a ruckus” – Mohammed Shami on trolls
Continuing to attack trolls, the 33-year-old stated that such people are simply interested in causing a commotion. He said that he collapsed to the ground after claiming his five-fer because he was exhausted after bowling with 200 percent energy.
“People like this are not on anyone’s side. They only want to create a ruckus. I bowled with 200 percent intensity in that game against Sri Lanka. Wickets were falling in quick succession and after taking 3 wickets, I thought I had to take a 5-wicket haul today.”
“I was tired of not getting a wicket despite beating the edge of the batter so many times. I was bowling at full tilt. So when I got my 5th wicket, I sank to the ground and kneeled. People gave a different meaning to it. I think people who are misinterpreting these things don’t have any other work.”
Mohammed Shami
In the meantime, the speedy Indian bowler is getting ready for the Test matches in South Africa. According to reports, he’s going to get the Arjuna Award.