As India comprehensively lost the match by 10 wickets against Pakistan, a section of social media users brought Shami's religion and loyalty into question with regards to his performance against the so-called arch-rivals
Sachin Tendulkar. File Pic
In the aftermath of India's loss against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami faced a barrage of abuse on social media from a section of fans. This prompted the likes of Irfan Pathan, Virender Sehwag to strongly call out online trolls that targeted Shami for his religion and loyalty with regards to his performance.
Now, legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar has shown solidarity with Shami and also urged fans to show restraint. "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," wrote Sachin Tendulkar on microblogging site Twitter.
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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.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 25, 2021
I stand behind Shami & Team India.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also came out in support of fast bowler Mohammed Shami after the latter was brutally trolled on social media following India's defeat against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match.
Pathan took to his Twitter account and strongly called out bigotry against Shami. He wrote, "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 (sic)."
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
As India comprehensively lost the match by 10 wickets against Pakistan, a section of social media users brought Shami's religion and loyalty into question with regards to his performance against the so-called arch-rivals. Shami, like the rest of the bowlers, failed to pick up any wicket and went for 43 runs in 3.5 overs.
Former Indian captain Virender Sehwag also defended Shami on social media and condemned the attack on him.
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
Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also came out in support of the Indian speedster.
We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya 🇮🇳
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) October 25, 2021
Ex-Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also expressed his support for Shami and posted a message on Twitter. He captioned it, "We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami."
We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 25, 2021
Shami also found support from former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman and said he has been a stellar performer for India.
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
Earlier, before the match, the Indian team took a knee to support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. India will next be taking on New Zealand on October 31.
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