'Mubarak ho lala' - Virat Kohli, others extend congratulatory wishes to Mohammed Shami for prestigious Arjuna Award

The award came in acknowledgment of his phenomenal performance during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

By Anaswara V Rajan

Updated - 09 Jan 2024, 20:50 IST

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On a momentous occasion for Indian cricket, pace sensation Mohammed Shami was presented with the esteemed Arjuna Award by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the National Sports Awards ceremony on Tuesday, January 09. The award came in acknowledgment of his phenomenal performance during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. 

Shami delivered an exceptional performance during the 50-over World Cup, where India ended as runners-up after losing to Australia in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite missing the first four games, the 33-year-old made a significant impact when included in the playing XI for the fifth game against New Zealand at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. He justified his inclusion by taking a five-wicket haul and earning the Player of the Match award.

In another notable display, the fast bowler shone in the group stage clash against Sri Lanka at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With impressive figures of 5/18, he played a crucial role in India's 302-run victory and was once again named the Player of the Match. Even after a late entry in the Playing XI, everyone started talking about the UP-born courtesy of his exceptional showing at the big stage.

Shami's standout performance in the semifinal clash against the BlackCaps in Mumbai further solidified his impact in the marquee event. After India set a formidable total of 397, the ace speedster achieved career-best figures of 7/57, earning him his third Player of the Match award in the tournament. He concluded the World Cup as the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets from seven games, boasting an average of a mind-boggling 10.70 and an impressive economy of 5.26.

As Shami was bestowed with the prestigious award, the entire cricketing fraternity in India celebrates it as a collective success. Star batter Virat Kohli, who was the leading run-scorer of the quadrennial event, extended his congratulations to his teammate as he commented “Mubarak ho lala” on the pacer's Instagram post. 

Notable cricketers such as Mithali Raj, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa, among others, have also showered praise on the 33-year-old and asserted that the award is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill on the field for the country. BCCI's Honorary Secretary Jay Shah also extended his heartfelt wishes for the awardee.

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