Virat Kohli condemns the communal abuse against Mohd Shami after India lost to Pakistan.
T20 World Cup 2021: Indian skipper Virat Kohli has launched an attack on the online trolls after they targetted pacer Mohammad Shami on the basis of his faith following India’s humiliating loss against Pakistan in its inaugural T20 World Cup 2021 match.
Kohli, on the eve of India’s second match against New Zealand, said targetting someone for his faith is “the most pathetic thing one can ever do.”
“Attacking someone over their religion is the most pathetic thing one can do as a human. That is a very sacred and personal thing. People take out their frustration because they have no understanding of what we do,” said Virat Kohli.
The Indian skipper further said that a “bunch of spineless” people take theirs doses of entertainment by trolling players online, but have no courage to face anyone individually.
“There is a good reason why we are playing on the field and not some bunch of spineless people on social media that have no courage to actually speak to any individual in person. That is a very sacred and a personal thing and that should be left there,” he said.
Mohammad Shami had an off day where he went for runs and Pakistan’s winning run came in his over only. People on social media chased down Shami’s accounts and began online abuse marking his Muslim identity for India’s 10-wicket loss to Pakistan.
Several cricketers, including Indian cricket greats, landed to extend their support to the Indian speedster following the online outrage started against him.
Kohli said that team’s togetherness is something that can’t be hampered by the outside force and they are all standing by the pacer.
“We stand by by him 200 per cent. And all those who have attacked can come in more force if they want to… Our brotherhood, our friendship within the team and nothing can be shaken.”
“He (Shardul) is a guy who is definitely in our plans, constantly making a case for himself. He is someone who can bring a lot of value to the team. What role he plays, or where, is something that I can’t talk about right now,” Kohli said in response to the question, whether Shardul Thakur could be brought back to the side in Sunday’s fixture against New Zealand.
Team India will play its second match against New Zealand, tomorrow, in Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Furthermore, Kohli also updated that Hardik Pandya is fine and doing well after he took a shoulder blow in the first match. Pandya didn’t come to the field after he sustained a niggle in his shoulder while batting and was later taken for scans which revealed nothing serious for the team and for the player.
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