Following India’s loss to Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, an image of Mitchell Marsh placing his feet on the trophy circulated on social media, drawing criticism for disrespecting the trophy and the game.
India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament, Mohammed Shami, expressed his discontent with the gesture, stating, “The trophy for which all the teams in the world fight, the trophy which you want to lift over your head, keeping a foot on that trophy did not make me happy.”
In a candid conversation, Shami revealed his approach to assessing pitches, preferring to understand the surface only when he’s on the field. He also discussed his initial absence from India’s playing XI in the Cricket World Cup 2023, highlighting the mental strength required when sitting out for four matches. Shami was eventually selected following an injury to all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
“When you sit out for four matches, you need to be mentally strong. Sometimes you are under pressure but when you see the team performing well and going in a good direction, it gives you satisfaction,” Shami added.
Despite the challenges, Shami emerged as the top wicket-taker in the World Cup 2023, claiming 24 wickets in just 7 matches, including three 5-wicket hauls and a 4-for, contributing significantly to India’s campaign.
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is currently engaged in a 5 match T20I series. Most of the players who played in the World Cup 2023 have been rested except for those who didn’t get much chances in the World Cup, i.e. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. India won the first match against the Aussies chasing a target of 209 runs. Suryakumar Yadav scored 80 runs of 42 balls while Ishan Kishan scored 58 runs of 39 balls.
