'Pathetic' - Indian cricket fraternity rallies behind Mohammed Shami as fans target him after loss against Pakistan

India pace bowler Mohammed Shami is being targeted on social media after India’s loss against Pakistan on Sunday (October 24). He didn’t have a great day on the field and was taken away for 43 runs in 3.5 overs. Winning runs were also scored off his bowling as Mohammad Rizwan took the attack to him in the 18th over to end the game in a jiffy. This was also India’s first ever loss against their arch-rivals in a World Cup game.

The Men in Blue had won all 12 matches before (7 in 50-over WC and 5 in T20 WC). But the trio of Babar Azam, Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi didn’t give India any chance to come back into the game putting their skills and ability on the show during the game.

No wonder the Indian fans were not happy with the performance of the team. While many moved on with life backing Virat Kohli and his men to make a strong comeback later in the tournament, a few keyboard warriors resorted to spreading hate on social media. Unfortunately, Shami, not the best bowler on the day, was targeted and abused for his performance.

We are proud of you, says Yuzvendra Chahal

Former and current Indian cricketers have rallied behind the Bengal pacer after the unfortunate happenings slamming the fans for abusing the player who has performed brilliantly for the country before. Irfan Pathan wasn’t happy at all with this as tweeted, ‘THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP,” while showing his support to Mohammed Shami.

India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who has been left out of the World Cup squad also wrote on his Twitter handle that he is proud of his teammate while RP Singh reiterated that Mohammed Shami is an Indian cricketer and felt calling out Shami for the loss is plain pathetic.

The likes of Aakash Chopra, Yusuf Pathan and Virender Sehwag also stood with Shami calling the online attack on the latter shocking. Sehwag also urged the pace bowler to show his worth in the next game. India is next due to play against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31).

Here are some of the tweets:

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

Jo log Mohammad Shami ke baare mein ghatiya baaten kar rahe hain, unse meri ek hi vinanti hai. Aap cricket na dekhen. Aur aapki kami mehsoos bhi nahi hogi. #Shami #355WicketsforIndia.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 25, 2021

@MdShami11 is an Indian cricketer and we are proud of him. To target him after the loss against Pak is pathetic.

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) October 25, 2021

We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya 🇮🇳

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) October 25, 2021

We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 25, 2021

Online trolls are the ones who earlier used to burn effigies and throw paint-stones at player’s houses…with an online profile without a face worthy of a profile pic. 🤨

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 25, 2021

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

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

Criticising is fine but khiladiyon ko abuse nahi karna chahiye. Ye game hai, better team on that day won. Inhi cricketers ne India ko bohot matches jitaye hain pichle kuch saalon mein. Aur haar kar jeetne wale ko hi baazigar kehte hai na! #indiaVsPakistan #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup21 pic.twitter.com/cLqNmbRQ9T

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 25, 2021

Proud 🇮🇳
Strong 💪
Upward and onward 👍 pic.twitter.com/5NqknojVZj

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 26, 2021

The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world

Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide 'em #Shami #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/3p70Ia8zxf

— Mohammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 26, 2021

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.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 25, 2021