Mohammad Shami calls Virat Kohli a dear friend. But the Bengal pacer did not like the decision taken by that friend five years ago. Shami was dropped after playing the first four matches of the 2019 World Cup. He raised questions about it.
India lost in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. They lost against New Zealand by 18 runs. Shami was not in that match. He took 14 wickets in the first four matches of the World Cup. Shami was also seated after that. Bengal’s pacers still do not understand the reason. In an interview given on YouTube, Shami said, “Every team needs a cricketer who can win matches. That time, I took 13 wickets in the first three matches. What more could I do?”
Virat was the captain of that World Cup. Ravi Shastri was the coach for India. Shami questioned their decision. “I don’t have any questions now, nor do I want any answers,” Shami said with a hint of annoyance. I just want to prove myself if I get a chance. I was given the opportunity, and I took 13 wickets in three matches. After that, we lost to New Zealand. I took 14 wickets in four matches. I took 24 wickets in seven matches in 2023.”
Shami was not being played in the 2023 World Cup from the start. Hardik Pandya got injured in the fourth match against Bangladesh. Shamir’s place in the next match. With his arrival, the strength of the Indian team increased. The bowling attack is sharper. All the team’s batsmen have problems playing Shami. However, the Indian bowlers did not succeed against the Australian batters in the final. India lost that match.
