Mohammed Shami had an excellent campaign in the ODI World Cup as he ended up being the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 edition of the World Cup. He did something unimaginable in the World Cup: he took 24 wickets in just seven games at an average of 10.71. He took three five-wicket hauls in the World Cup, of which two were against New Zealand in the league stage match and the semi-finals.
One of Mohammed Shami’s fifes came against Sri Lanka in the round-robin stage, when the Sri Lankan team was bowled out for just 55 while chasing a mammoth total of 358. Mohammed Shami, in a recent video on his YouTube channel , talked about social networks. Media posts after India’s victory against Sri Lanka at Wankhede in the World Cup. Controversy peddlers suggested that Shami performed Sajdah (Muslim prayer offering) in the field after completing fife from him.
However, Mohammed Shami spoke about how the incident unfolded and sent a strong message to all the controversies who marred his fifth moment. He said, “There were people who said I wanted to do Sajdah, but I didn’t do it. Some people criticized the country, others my caste. Jinke dimaag mai jo keeda tha wo bola (Whatever filth they had to whisper, they did). Instead of appreciating my bowling, people highlighted that controversy.”
“I think I was bowling a fifth over in a row and I was bowling with an effort beyond my ability. I was tired. The ball hit the boundary very often, so when I finally got the fifth wicket, I took a knee. Someone pushed me, so I moved forward a little. That photo circulated widely on social media. People thought I wanted to do Sajdah but it didn’t happen that way. I only have one piece of advice for them: please stop bothering,” explained Mohammed Shami.
See: Mohammed Shami’s celebration that started the controversy
Mohammed Shami also said that he is not afraid of anyone and is proud to be a Muslim and an Indian. He also said that for him his country always comes first. He gave a befitting reply to everyone who was stirring up a controversy after Shami’s celebration after taking his fife against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“First of all, mai kisise nhi darta iss cheez se (I am not afraid of anyone when it comes to this),” Shami said. “I am Muslim and I have said it before: I am proud to be one. And I am also a proud Indian. For me the country comes first. If these things bother anyone, I don’t care. I live happily and represent my country, nothing matters more to me.”
“As for controversies, to those who only live to play these games on social media, I don’t care. As far as Sajdah is concerned, if she wanted to do it, she would have done it. “It shouldn’t worry anyone else.”
Mohammed Shami is currently suffering from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since after the World Cup. He is expected to return during IPL 2024, where he will represent the Gujarat Titans. He was the purple cap holder in the IPL and also the highest wicket-taker in the World Cup. The year 2023 was brilliant for Mohammed Shami and now everyone is waiting for him to return with the wonderful deliveries of him.