India’s Mohammed Shami emerged as top wicket-taker in ODI World Cup 2023 with 24 scalps,
New Delhi: It might be cool for Australia’s Mitchell Marsh to put his feet on the World Cup trophy and chill but the all-rounder’s act received major criticism from the Indian cricket fans. Four days after the tournament concluded, India pacer Mohammed Shami finally opened up on the issue calling ‘it hurt’ him. Unbeaten until the final, India lost when it mattered, surrendering in front of Australia by six wickets.
Reacting for the first time to the incident, Shami wasn’t happy with Marsh’s gesture. “I am hurt. The trophy for which all the teams in the world fights, the trophy which you want to lift over your head, keeping a foot on that trophy did not make me happy,” Shami, who was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps told reporters on Thursday.
With India playing Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj initially, Shami was benched for the first four games. However, an injury to Hardik Pandya made his way into the playing XI and made an instant impact with a five-wicket haul against New Zealand.
He took two more five-wicket hauls in the competition with a career-best 7/57 against New Zealand in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the 33-year-old shared his secret that helps him perform better. “Generally, bowlers check the pitch after arriving at the ground. I never go close to the wicket because you will know how it behaves only when you bowl on it,” Shami said in an interview.
“Then why take the pressure? It’s best to keep it simple, keep yourself relaxed and only then you will perform better,” said Shami, as he also revealed that he doesn’t follow any pre-match ritual. It’s better you wake up, get fresh, have tea and listen to songs,” he added.