Dubai: Following India’s 10-wicket loss to Pakistan on Sunday, former Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and his former opening partner Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh came out in support of paceman Mohammed Shami, who was harassed by online trolls. Shami was subjected to much trolling after the paceman returned figures of 0/43 in 3.5 overs.
“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,” Tendulkar tweeted in support of Shami.
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
“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,” Sehwag wrote on Twitter.
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
On Sunday, Shami had a terrible day, and it was in his over that Pakistan completed the 152-run chase, with Mohammad Rizwan scattering the Indian pacer across the Dubai stadium. This engendered resentment for Shami, and, like other cricketers, former Indian cricketer and actor Irfan Pathan twitted in support of Shami during this crucial period.
“Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami”, Pathan wrote on Twitter.
Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about 🇮🇳 of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 25, 2021
India and Pakistan had previously played five times in T20 World Cups, with the former winning all five times. Pakistan, on the other hand, put an end to India’s supremacy in brutal fashion, winning by 10 wickets to change the pace for the tournament.
Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh also extended his support to Shami. “We love you @MdShami11,” wrote Harbhajan on Twitter.
We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 25, 2021
Shami was included to India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup after a great season in the Indian Premier League, where he ended sixth in wicket-taking with 19 scalps from 14 games.
India’s next T20 World Cup encounter is against New Zealand.
