Mohammed Shami criticizes neighbouring fans for 'Sajdah controversy' during ODI World Cup 2023

Mohammed Shami has been one of the finest bowler for India across formats. The 33-yerar-old pacer is currently the highest wicket-taker for India in the ODI World Cup history, the bowler was the crucial member of the Men in Blue that qualified for the final of the ODI World Cup 2023. In seven matches he picked up 24 wickets becoming the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. The UP-born pacer since then has won the Arjun Award and has been rehabbing from an ankle injury he sustained during the mega event. 

The veteran pacer has been all over Pakistan whether on and off the field. The Indian pacer, who has a decent record against Pakistan, has frequently found himself in the middle of a social media turmoil throughout the high-profile match and with the success came unexpected criticism and scrutiny as well. 

Former Pakistan player Hasan Raza said that Shami and the other Indian bowlers tampered with the ball to increase swing during the World Cup. Fans, especially from the neighbouring country, also claimed that Shami wanted to perform Sajdah after taking a wicket during a World Cup match against Sri Lanka, but backed out at the last minute because to the response. The pacer has give a befitting reply to all those fans. 

There were people who were saying that I wanted to do Sajdah: Mohammed Shami

Shami said, "There were people who were saying that I wanted to do Sajdah, but didn’t. Some people called out the country, others my caste. Jinke dimaag mai jo keeda tha wo bola (Whatever filth they had to mutter, they did). Rather than appreciating my bowling, people highlighted that controversy. I was bowling a fifth over in a row, I think, and was bowling with 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 nuisance."