The fast bowler was nominated on Wednesday to win this year’s Arjuna Award after his heroics in the World Cup. Shami has proved himself to be one of India’s finest all-format bowlers.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — As he was on fire during the recently concluded 50-over World Cup tournament at home, celebrated fast bowler Mohammed Shami was on fire during his recent conversation with Aaj Tak where he slammed trolls over ‘baseless’ rumours about his ‘sajda’ (prostration) celebration following a five-wicket haul in a group match against Sri Lanka last month.
Shami gave a befitting reply to Pakistan trolls, who tried to give a religious angle to one of his bowling spells.
In a viral video, Shami could be seen kneeling and touching the ground with both hands after removing Kasun Rajitha in the 13th over of Sri Lanka’s innings to complete his 5-wicket haul, as his teammates gathered around him to cheer him on. The keyword warriors said he wanted to bow down (sajda) to thank God but couldn’t because of the fear of a backlash.
Reacting to Vikrant Gupta’s question, Shami said: “I am a proud Indian and a proud Muslim.”
“Nobody can stop me from following my religion. I don’t have to seek someone’s permission to do sajda. Why would I live in India if I am not allowed to follow my religion? If I want to do sajda, I will do it everywhere,” he said.
“I haven’t done it before in my career. Why would I be interested in doing sajda in that particular match? I was tired and set on the pitch. I had bowled more than my limit.
Shami added that he bowled with 200 percent intensity in the group match against Sri Lanka and sank to the ground and kneeled because he was tired.
“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 three 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,” Shami added.
Shami starred for India by ending up being the highest wicket-taker (24) in the tournament despite having not been able to make it to the playing XI in the first four games.
Shami was nominated on Wednesday to win this year’s Arjuna Award after his heroics in the World Cup. The Gujarat Titans fast bowler has been one of India’s finest all-format bowlers. Shami took an extended break after the World Cup and he is all set to return to action during a 2-Test series against South Africa in the Rainbow Nation, starting December 26.