In cricket history, certain performances stand out, leaving a mark on the minds of fans and onlookers. The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup witnessed one such extraordinary display of skill by Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Despite being benched for the initial stages of the tournament, Shami’s return against New Zealand marked a turning point, leading to a series of exceptional performances that garnered attention worldwide.
Shami’s stellar performance in the 2023 World Cup is highlighted by his best-ever figures of 7/57 against a formidable opponent. His impact was not confined to a single match; over seven games, he accumulated a staggering total of 24 wickets, boasting an average of 10.70 and an impressive strike rate of 12.20. These numbers not only cemented his position as a key player for the Indian team but also etched his name in the record books.
During the competition, Shami achieved the greatest bowling numbers ever recorded by an Indian in the World Cup. Remarkably, he secured three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul, showcasing a level of consistency and mastery rarely witnessed on the cricketing stage. His ability to deliver under pressure situations underscored his prowess as a premier fast bowler.
Shami’s exceptional performance in the 2023 World Cup added to his already illustrious career in the tournament. Including his record-breaking 7/57, he has now amassed 55 wickets in 18 World Cup matches, with an average of 13.52 and a strike rate of 15.81. Notably, Shami holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in World Cup history, an accolade that further cements his status as a cricketing legend.
While India’s journey in the 2023 World Cup was marked by dominance, winning all ten games convincingly until the final, the team faced a heartbreaking loss against Australia in Ahmedabad. Despite the defeat, Shami’s contributions throughout the tournament were pivotal to India’s success, and his extraordinary feats on the field garnered widespread acclaim.
Amidst the accolades, Shami found himself in the midst of controversy after his five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka. The footage of him taking a knee and touching the ground with both hands sparked speculation on social media, with some suggesting that he had initially intended to pray on the pitch but changed his mind due to potential backlash. The Namaz on the field by Muhammad Rizwan had earlier attracted widespread cricticism in India and even legal actions.
Watch: Mohammed Shami Absolutely Slams The Pakistani Trolls Regarding The Sajdah Controversy
In response to the speculation, Mohammed Shami addressed the controversy with candor and conviction. He emphasized his right to express his faith, stating, “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?”
Explaining the context behind his celebratory gesture, Shami revealed, “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.”
“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,” Mohammed Shami said.
“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.
On "Sajda controversy" Md Shami says – I've never done it before, nor was trying to do that day & I believe nobody will stop me even if I do it. I don't believe in disturbing others on ground by doing such things.
What an amazing guy @MdShami11 is. Muslims should learn from him. pic.twitter.com/s9aQJtLqlE
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) December 13, 2023
