‘When Only Rahul Gandhi Stood with Shami’: Cong’s Flashback After India’s Win in World Cup Semifinal – News18

As Mohammed Shami grabbed 7-57 against New Zealand to become the quickest bowler in the history of the Cricket World Cup, a Congress leader recalled the time when the cricketer was brutally trolled for India’s defeat to Pakistan in 2021.

Only Rahul Gandhi stood with Shami when people ‘high on Hindu-Muslim’ drug abused Mohammad Shami, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) president Srinivas BV said.

Srinivas shared a screenshot of Rahul Gandhi’s 2021 tweet, in which the senior Congress leader had written: “Mohammad #Shami we are all with you. These people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them.”

In 2021, Shami was subjected to a fierce online attack after the Indian cricket team lost to Pakistan for the first time in World Cup history. Shami was the most expensive bowler for India on the night, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs.

Amid the increasing vicious trolls, former opener Virender Sehwag, former India spinner Harbhajan and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal came out in Shami’s support.

Among politicians, Rahul Gandhi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah had condemned the trolling and extended support to Shami.

Two years later, Shami’s impressive performance came as a rap to the trolls. His brilliant bowling propelled India to a thumping 70-run win over the Black Caps in the first of the semifinals.

It stretched the hosts’ unbeaten record to 10 ahead of the final against either Australia or South Africa, which play on Thursday. Shami also registered India’s best-ever bowling figures at the World Cup.

Shami needed just 17 matches to reach the landmark two games quicker than previous record holder Mitchell Starc of Australia.