NEW DELHI: Mohammed Shami's international cricket journey has been nothing short of a roller-coaster, marked by domestic challenges and injury setbacks. Despite impressive numbers in the international circuit - 229 wickets in 64 Tests, 206 in 108 ODIs, and 27 in 25 T20Is, the pacer had to bear the brunt of online abuse for his performances.
After India's loss to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, Shami was viciously branded a 'traitor' and 'anti-national' on social media. In a candid chat with News24, the pacer revealed the emotional toll of such trolling - particularly when it targets Muslim cricketers.
"I pay no heed to such trolling. I have been given a job. I am not a machine. If I am working hard throughout the year, sometimes I will fail, sometimes I will succeed. It's up to people how they want to take that," Shami said.
Shami stressed that players should avoid engaging on social media while representing the country, as it helps maintain focus.
"When you play for your country, you forget all such things. For you, taking wickets and winning the match become more important. I don't want to go on social media at such times. You see both positive and negative comments. When you're playing, you need to stay far away from such things."
Labeling trolls as 'keyboard warriors,' Shami urged fans to express criticism with respect. "We work hard to succeed. Trolls just have to type two lines. True fans will never do such things. If you think you can do better than me, please come and try. It's always open."
