'Took 13 wickets in 3 matches, what more will you take from me?': Mohammed Shami'
Shami takes indirect dig at Virat Kohli & Ravi Shastri for his exclusion from 2019 WC semifinal
New Delhi: Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has taken an indirect dig at former captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri for his exclusion from the playing XI in the 2019 World Cup semi final against New Zealand. Despite being one of India's best bowlers in the tournament, Shami was left out of the crucial match at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Shami had an impressive performance in the 2019 World Cup, picking up 14 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, in just four matches. However, the 33-year-old was surprisingly not included in the playing XI for the semifinal, where the team management opted for two pacers and a spinner.
Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Shami expressed his frustration about his exclusion despite his strong performance in the tournament. He mentioned the lack of proper communication regarding his omission from the semifinal.
"Mere dimaag mein sawaal aata hai, team ko joh players chaiye joh perform karta hai. 3 matches mein 13 wickets li hai, aur kya loge aap mere se? Nahi mere pass sawal hai naa uska answer hai. Mujhe mauka doge toh mein jaake baat karunga. Apna skills dikhaunga jab mere haath mein ball hogi," Shami said.
("My mind is filled with questions. The team needs players who perform. I have taken 13 wickets in 3 matches, what more do you expect from me? Neither have I questions nor the answer. If you give me a chance, I will go and talk. I will show my skills when the ball is in my hand.")
India's hopes of winning the ODI World Cup for the third time were dashed when they lost to eventual runners-up New Zealand in the semifinal. Chasing a target of 240 runs, India was bowled out for 221 in 49.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja top-scored with 77 off 59 balls, but his effort was in vain as India fell 19 runs short.
Four years later, in 2023, India reached the final of the ODI World Cup without losing a single match. However, Rohit Sharma and his team suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Australia, who clinched their sixth title in the final held in Ahmedabad in November.
Mohammad Shami taking a dig at kohli-shastri politics for excluding him from 2019 wc semifinal 👏 pic.twitter.com/GJxP78vkrI
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
