Mohammad Shami and the Indian cricket team have been under fire from the cricket fans after India lost to Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener on October 24, Sunday in Dubai. It was the Men in Blue’s first loss to Men in Green in World Cups bringing an end to a 29-year-old streak.
Babar Azam won the toss and asked India to bat first. India could only manage 151/7 in 20 overs thanks to Shaheen Afridi rocking the Indian top-order removing Rohit Sharma for a golden duck and KL Rahul for 3 runs. Virat Kohli made 57 runs before becoming Shaheen’s third victim in the match, but not before adding 53 runs with Rishabh Pant who made 39.
But Babar Azam’s 68* and Mohammad Rizwan’s 79* were enough for Pakistan to hand India a humiliating 10-wicket loss and get the monkey off their bat of having never beaten India in World Cups.
As soon as India lost the match, many Indian players received abuse on social media, and Virat Kohli and Mohammad Shami were made specific targets. Shami in particular received many nasty messages on Instagram and Twitter, which led to many in the cricket fraternity coming out in his support and asking the fans to stop taking out their frustration and anger on the players.
Many like Irfan Pathan, Aakash Chopra, and others tweeted supporting Mohammad Shami, along with former legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Mohammed Azharuddin.
Here are some tweets:
When we support #TeamIndia, we support every person who represents Team India. @MdShami11 is a committed, world-class bowler. He had an off day like any other sportsperson can have.
I stand behind Shami & Team India.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 25, 2021
Winning and losing is a part of the game. The personal attack on Shami is uncalled for. I stand with #mohammadshami @MdShami11
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) October 25, 2021
355 International wickets. It is India that beats in the heart of anyone representing India. And Mohammad Shami has been an outstanding and yet unsung servant of Indian cricket. More power to him.
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) October 25, 2021
The online attack on Mohammad Shami is shocking and we stand by him. He is a champion and Anyone who wears the India cap has India in their hearts far more than any online mob. With you Shami. Agle match mein dikado jalwa.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 25, 2021
We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 25, 2021
Our current bowling attack is considered to be one of the finest in our history . @MdShami11 has played a big part in that . He has been a match winner . His contribution in making Indian fans proud of their team is immense . Those trolling him cannot be true cricket fans .
— Rohan Gavaskar (@rohangava9) October 25, 2021
To the barsati maindhaks abusing team India and players online: #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Bl0zoHEwWd
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 25, 2021
Online trolls are the ones who earlier used to burn effigies and throw paint-stones at player’s houses…with an online profile without a face worthy of a profile pic. 🤨
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 25, 2021
We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya 🇮🇳
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) October 25, 2021
@MdShami11 is an Indian cricketer and we are proud of him. To target him after the loss against Pak is pathetic.
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) October 25, 2021
Mohammed Shami has been a stellar performer for India for eight years, playing a significant role in many a victory. He can't be defined by one performance. My best wishes are always with him. I urge fans & followers of the game to support @MdShami11 and the Indian team.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 25, 2021
