India pacer Mohammad Shami took the cricketing world by storm with his remarkable display in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. He was included in the playing XI after India were forced to alter their playing combination due to Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury.
As it turned out, Shami grabbed the opportunity with both hands, finishing the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps to his name from seven matches at an incredible average of 10.70 with three five-wicket hauls.
After his five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the league-stage match, a section of social media users tried to create a controversy by claiming that Shami wanted to do ‘Sajda’ on the field but held himself back fearing backlash.
Speaking on Agenda Aaj Tak, Shami on Wednesday (December 14) slammed the trolls, saying that he is a proud Indian and a proud Muslim and nobody would have stopped him if he wanted to pray.
Notably, Shami was seen kneeling and touching the ground with both hands after completing his five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
"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? 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," Shami said.
The right-arm quick also clarified that he sank to the ground and kneeled because he was tired after taking the fifth wicket, having bowled with 200 percent intensity against Sri Lanka.
"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," he added.
Mohammad Shami has been picked for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, starting December 26 in Centurion. However, his availability is subject to fitness.
According to reports, Shami developed an ankle condition soon after the World Cup and the veteran pacer is currently undergoing medical treatment.
