India suffered a heavy ten-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami was targeted and brutally trolled by social media before finding support from former cricketers.
It was tough luck for Team India, as it lost to arch-rival Pakistan in Group 2’s Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. It was the first time that Pakistan had beaten India in the tournament and any World Cup competition.
FULL SCORECARD: ICC T20 World Cup 2021 - INDIA vs PAKISTAN
The Indian bowlers execute properly, especially seamer Mohammed Shami, as he turned out to be the most economical of all, giving away 43 runs in 3.5 overs at a poor economy of 11.20. Consequently, he was subjected to brutal trolling on social media, with Indian fans accusing him of foul play.
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However, Shami received support from his fellow and former Indian cricketers. “The online attack on Mohammad Shami is shocking, and we stand by him. He is a champion, and Anyone who wears the India cap has India in their hearts far more than any online mob. With you, Shami. Agle match mein dikado jalwa," wrote Virender Sehwag.
The online attack on Mohammad Shami is shocking and we stand by him. He is a champion and Anyone who wears the India cap has India in their hearts far more than any online mob. With you Shami. Agle match mein dikado jalwa.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2021, India vs Pakistan - Records galore as Pakistan scripts historic win
Meanwhile, former seamer Irfan Pathan wrote, “Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about a few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami”.
Even I was part of battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about 🇮🇳 of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)ALSO WATCH: T20 World Cup 2021, IND vs PAK: Kohli congratulates Azam, Rizwan; Dhoni interacts with Pakistanis
Also, veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh stood by Shami, as he wrote, “We love you @MdShami11 #Shami”. Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, too, voiced his support for his Indian teammate, as he noted, “We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya”.
We love you 🇮🇳
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2021, IND vs PAK: Twitter reacts as Pakistan registers first tournament win over India
We are so proud of you bhaiya 🇮🇳
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal)In the meantime, Gambhir was quoted as saying the acts of trolling on social media as shameful. He also despised the actions of bursting crackers in some parts of the country upon Pakistan’s win. As for the loss, Gambhir credited Pakistan for producing top gameplay, besides asserting that one bad game does not make India a lousy team.
Those bursting crackers on Pak winning can’t be Indian! We stand by our boys!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir)