India secured a solid victory over Bangladesh in their first Champions Trophy 2025 match. To say that half of the credit goes to Mohammad Shami’s stellar performance would be a sheer understatement. His brilliant bowling spell played a crucial role in restricting Bangladesh to a modest total. Speaking to reporters after the match, Shami addressed the religious trolling he has faced, delivering a powerful response. His dignified reply is earning widespread praise from fans and cricketing circles alike.
After giving a match-winning performance against Bangladesh, Mohammad Shami opened up about being trolled over his religion
Mohammad Shami proved his worth yet again by delivering a match-winning performance against Bangladesh in India’s first Champions Trophy 2025 match. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, many had questioned whether India’s bowling attack would be as impactful. However, Shami, with his years of experience, rose to the occasion and registered his sixth five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
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His fiery spell dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total of 228. Alongside him, Shubman Gill’s crucial innings scoring 101* played a vital role in India’s convincing win.
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After the match, reporters asked him about the religious trolling Shami had faced, especially after India’s loss to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup at the same venue. Back then, several Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli, had supported him, but this was the first time Shami himself spoke on the matter.
He stated that he does not let social media negativity affect him,
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“Social media is such these days that it can lead to some unwanted things in your mind. I don’t like to think about such things.”
He concluded by saying that as a sportsman one should focus on staying in the present and planning for the future.
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“People will remind you about the poor performances and it will pinch you too but I feel as a cricketer and sportsman one shouldn’t look back too much and just stay in the present, and plan for the future.”
Mohammad Shami also talked about his struggles after his injury
Mohammad Shami’s journey back to big format matches hasn’t been easy. After delivering a career-best performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he was at the peak of his form. However, injuries to his ankle, heel, and knee forced him to stay out of action for 14 long months.
For a player who was in the best phase of his career, this sudden break was not just physically challenging but also mentally exhausting. Speaking to reporters after his remarkable spell against Bangladesh, Shami admitted that watching from the sidelines when he was in such great form was frustrating and painful.
“It was difficult to get injured and go down from the form that you had in the World Cup. Those 14 months were very difficult as I had to repeat all the things and that pinches you and you feel the pain.”
Despite the setbacks, Shami worked hard to regain his rhythm. He credited domestic matches and the four international games against England for helping him get back his confidence. He also expressed how much he missed being part of the bowling unit and playing alongside his teammates.
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“But I got those domestic matches and four international games (against England) to get my confidence back. You always miss your bowling unit and the ones you’re usually with.”
Shami’s grand comeback sets the stage for an exciting India-Pakistan clash
Now that Mohammad Shami is back in action, fans couldn’t be happier, and his critics have no choice but to stay silent. Dubai, the very place where Shami once faced social media hate after India’s 2021 T20 World Cup loss to Pakistan saw his redemption. His stellar performance against Bangladesh has reminded everyone why he is one of India’s most valuable pacers.
After missing the Australia Test series, where Jasprit Bumrah struggled without solid support, Shami’s return has strengthened India’s bowling attack once again. His ability to pick crucial wickets at the right moments makes him a game-changer, and his recent five-wicket haul is proof of that.
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With the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash on February 23rd, all eyes will be on Shami and team India.
What are your thoughts on Mohammad Shami’s powerful response to the trolls he received on his religion? Are you excited for the upcoming India-Pakistan clash? Do share your thoughts via the comments below.
