New Delhi: Senior India pacer Mohammed Shami took a dig at captain Rohit Sharma and former India head coach Rahul Dravid after being asked about being dropped from the playing XI during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami was left on the bench for India’s first few matches in the tournament before being brought back after an injury to all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
After his return, Shami went on to wreak havoc with the ball and delivered consistently to emerge as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament despite having played only 7 matches. Shami was asked about his sensational comeback after being reduced to the bench in the 2023 ODI World Cup during the CEAT Cricket Awards. He decided to troll Dravid and Rohit with a hilarious response.
The senior fast bowler, who has nearly become indispensable for India in Tests and ODIs, said he was used to getting ignored at the start of an important tournament. Shami then trolled Rohit and Dravid by stating that his performances were so good that the captain-coach duo didn’t even think about dropping him after his return to the playing XI.
“Aadat pad gayi hai sayad (I have become used to it now),” Shami told host Mayanti Langer when asked about his brilliant return to India’s playing XI in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“15 mai, 19 mai aur 23 mai teeno mai same start hua hai. Aur jab mujhe chance diya hai captain coaches ne toh performance aisa hi nikla hai ki fir inhone ne socha nahi hai ki hum baitha de isko. (I had similar starts in 2015, 2019 and 2023. But when I was given a chance by the captain and the coaches, my performances were such that they never thought of dropping me again),” added the India pacer, leaving Rohit, Dravid and others in splits.
Always ready, always hungry, always on top! 🙌🏻💪🏻#MohammedShami opens up on the drive that keeps him pushing forward, even after being benched in the early stages of the World Cup! 💥
Watch the Full episode – CEAT Cricket Awards on YouTube channel pic.twitter.com/ZJOkfryXpt
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 2, 2024
Mohammed Shami’s heroics in 2023 ODI World Cup
Shami was kept on the bench for India’s first four matches before making a thumping comeback against New Zealand. Shami was included in the playing XI after an injury to Hardik and he made sure he made the opportunity count. Shami decimated New Zealand with a five-wicket haul and there was no looking back for the right-arm pacer as he played an instrumental role in helping India reach the final.
Shami finished the tournament with an impressive 24 wickets in just 7 matches and was the top-wicket take in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami has not played for India since the World Cup last year as he underwent surgery for achilles tendon injury. The pacer is expected to make his comeback soon as India gear up for a long Test season.
Team India pacer Mohammed Shami hilariously trolled captain Rohit Sharma and former head coach Rahul Dravid for dropping him from the playing XI for the first few matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami said his performances later ensured Rohit and Dravid couldn’t even think about dropping him. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
