India missed out on the chance to lift the World Cup 2023 title, losing to Australia in the final by six wickets. The Men in Blue came to the summit clash with an undefeated streak in the tournament but failed to maintain that in the end as Australian bowlers and opener Travis Head, who scored a hundred, took Australia home comfortably.
Although India failed to clinch the trophy, the competition will also be remembered for their domination with many of their players, contributing to the success.
Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Tournament as he ended up being the top-scorer, accumulating 765 runs in 11 matches. Captain Rohit Sharma too fared well, scoring 597 runs throughout the recently-concluded ICC event.
Bet here now (selected regions) on the winners of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and other cricket matches!
When it comes to the bowlers, it was Mohammed Shami, who hogged the limelight. Although he did not get a chance to play in the first few games, an injury to Hardik Pandya opened up a spot, paving a way for his inclusion in the XI.
Shami grabbed the opportunity with both hands, claiming 24 wickets in a mere seven matches. He also took three fifers.
He was bowling on such a level that allegations were raised on him for getting different ball to what the bowlers of other teams were given.
"We are seeing that when they are batting, they bat really well and suddenly the ball starts doing things when India bowl. There have been 7-8 close DRS calls that have gone in their favour. The way Siraj and Shami were swinging the ball, it seemed like the ICC or the BCCI were giving them different and suspicious balls in the second innings. There needs to be an inspection done on the ball. There could also be an extra layer of coating on the ball for swing," Former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza was quoted as saying to ABN.
'They think they are the best' - Mohammad Shami on Pakistan players
In a recent interview with Puma, Shami commented on Raza's statement, saying that he could not digest his success.
He also explained why a player should enjoy others' success instead of getting jealous.
I pray to god that 10 bowlers come up with my kind of performance. I am not jealous of anyone. If you start enjoying the success of others, you will become a better player, Shami said as quoted in an interview with Puma.
“I was hearing a lot since last couple of days. I was not a part of the Playing XI in the initial matches. When I was drafted into the team, I took 5 wickets. In the next two games, I dismissed 4 and 5 batters. Some of the Pakistan players couldn’t digest my success. Actually, they think they are the best. A player who performs on time is the best," he added.
He further asserted that for someone, who has played cricket to say this is unacceptable.
"They were creating unwanted controversy. They said we were getting different types of balls. Change yourself. Wasim bhai explained the whole process of ball selection in one of his shows. I understand if something of this sort comes up from a comman man. You have played cricket and shouldn’t make such statements."
Pakistan players think they are the best in the world, and can't digest better player and team's success like India-
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) November 21, 2023
- Savage take down by #Shami𓃵, of Pakistani propaganda during world cup matchespic.twitter.com/YEoLgb13Ji
'Focus on the game instead of such stupid discussions' - Mohammad Shami's advice
Earlier as well, Shami had not taken kindly to Raza's bizzare remarks and had shared a story on Instagram, advising the Pakistani to not indulge in such discussions.
"Have some shame. Focus on the game instead of such stupid discussions. Enjoy someone else's success for once. This is an ICC event, not a local tournament. Were you a player?."
Ready to make your predictions and win on the International Cricket matches? To find all the latest odds, betting and cricket scores and fixtures from India click here
